Pompeo to visit India later this month

World Tuesday 11/June/2019 16:01 PM
By: Times News Service
Pompeo to visit India later this month

Washington D.C.: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be visiting India later this month, the State Department announced during a recent press briefing.

Speaking to reporters, Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said: "I am pleased to announce that Secretary Pompeo will travel to the Indo-Pacific region on June 24th through the 30th to broaden and deepen our partnership with key countries to advance our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Secretary’s first stop will be in New Delhi, India."

"Prime Minister Modi’s recent election victory provides an excellent opportunity for him to implement his vision for a strong and prosperous India that plays a leading role on the global stage. The Secretary will preview elements of a cooperative agenda during his remarks at the US-India Business Council India Ideas Summit at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on June 12th," Ortagus added.

In addition to India, Pompeo will be visiting Colombo, Sri Lanka where he will "express America’s solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka as they stand united against the despicable Easter Sunday terrorist attacks", according to Ortagus.

Ortagus also commented on the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan.

"We have four pillars that Ambassador Khalilzad is working on in Afghanistan: troop withdrawal, counterterrorism assurances and cooperation, inter-Afghan dialogue, reduction in violence. I think some of you know that the ambassador – that Khalilzad is in Kabul right now. He met with Ghani yesterday. And he and President Ghani spoke at length about preparation for inter-Afghan negotiations, and he knows that’s now essential."