Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen will travel to Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK); Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia; and Tokyo, Japan November 30 to December 6. The visit underscores the United States' deep commitment to reinforcing and expanding partnerships, alliances, and people-to-people ties across the Indo-Pacific region, a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy efforts.
In Seoul, Under Secretary Allen will lead the United States' participation in the inaugural United States-ROK Public Diplomacy Dialogue with the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a milestone event marking 70 years of robust global partnership. She will also discuss the evolving landscape of the modern information space with the Korean Women Journalist Association and emphasize the value of educational exchanges with Fulbright Korea alumni and scholars. Highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy to transcend geographic and language divisions, she will join Chef Yim Jung Sik at a local market to explore traditional Korean cuisine.
At the 10th anniversary of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) in Bali, Under Secretary Allen will deliver opening remarks, celebrating a decade of this landmark U.S. leadership development program that has empowered youth across ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. In Jakarta, following the recent elevation of U.S.-Indonesia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, she will meet with senior officials to discuss enhancing people-to-people ties, expanding educational exchanges, and fostering increased student mobility.
In Tokyo, the Under Secretary's agenda includes bilateral discussions with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on countering foreign malign influence. She will meet with prominent Japanese leaders to underscore U.S. participation in and support for Expo Osaka 2025 and host a leadership discussion with influential women in government, journalism, and business, highlighting their pivotal roles in society.
Throughout her visit to each country, Under Secretary Allen will meet with the respective State Department public diplomacy sections, recognizing and appreciating their vital contributions to deepening cultural, educational, and professional ties between the people of the United States and those in the Indo-Pacific region.
