New US Secretary of State Rubio speaks with counterparts from Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, and Canada

By Sercan Irkin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone calls with his counterparts from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Canada.

According to the US State Department, Rubio held separate phone calls with his counterparts from those countries and opposition leaders from Venezuela.

During his call with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, Rubio stressed the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries in ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Highlighting the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the two agreed to deepen trade and investment ties between the US and Indonesia.

Rubio discussed what the department called China's "dangerous" and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea with Philippines Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo.

"Rubio conveyed that (China's) behavior undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law," the department said.

The two discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and enhance regional cooperation.

In his call with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, Rubio discussed shared priorities in the Western Hemisphere and opportunities within US-Canada relations.

US President Donald Trump, who chose Rubio for the post, has drawn criticism from Canadian leaders for his vows to increase tariffs and suggestions that Canada should be an American state.

-Calls with Venezuelan opposition

Rubio also held phone calls with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, a former opposition presidential candidate.

He praised the courage of the Venezuelan people in standing up against what he called the "repression" imposed by President Nicolas Maduro and his allies.

Rubio reiterated the US commitment to "restoring democracy" in Venezuela and called for the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners, aligning with the Venezuelan people's peaceful democratic aspirations.

*Writing by Fatma Zehra Solmaz