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Sugiono, US Secretary of State Rubio talk regional security in first phone call
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono on Wednesday to reaffirm the countries’ bilateral relationship and Washington’s commitment to upkeep “maritime security in the South China Sea”.
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Marco Rubio speaks after he is sworn in as Secretary of State by United States Vice President JD Vance at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC on Jan. 21, 2025. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
U
nited States Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono to reaffirm the countries’ bilateral relationship and Washington’s commitment to upkeep “maritime security in the South China Sea”, in a call made just days after the second inauguration of US President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 and amid pledges of a firmer US stance against China.
The strategic partnership between the US and Indonesia is recognized by the Trump administration as key to advancing a “secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific”, US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The two leaders discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including an exchange of views on maritime security in the South China Sea,” Bruce said.
“[They] also expressed shared commitment to prioritizing national economic growth and recognized the importance of working together to deepen trade and investment in areas advantageous to both countries,” she went on to say.
As he began his first days as Washington’s number one diplomat, Rubio has since earlier this week been hitting the phone with a string of calls to several of Washington’s key partners, reaffirming the US’ eagerness to continue cooperating with its foreign counterparts.
Among the list of countries that have received Rubio’s calls are the Philippines, Israel, Venezuela, Canada, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, and in that order.
Read also: Trump, Xi speak by phone, vow improved ties despite threats
