Blinken to visit Tonga, New Zealand, Australia on July 24-29

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia from July 24-29, the State Department said on Thursday.

On July 26, Blinken will travel to Nukuʻalofa, capital of Tonga, to "dedicate the new U.S. Embassy and advance key discussions with our Tongan partners", Spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"The Secretary will meet with senior officials to discuss our shared democratic values and vision of a connected, prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Pacific region," Miller said.

On July 27, Blinken will travel to Wellington, capital of New Zealand to hold "important discussions on shared priorities with senior government partners" and will "cheer on the U.S. Women’s National Team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup".

Blinken will conclude the trip with travel to Australia's Brisbane on July 28-29 to attend the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) and hold bilateral meetings, Miller said.

"Discussions will include coordinating on our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, deepening security cooperation, and advancing the third pillar of our relationship: climate and clean energy," he added.