HomeTravels With the Deputy Secretary of State …Travel to the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos, June 5-14, 2022 hide Travel to the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos, June 5-14, 2022 Close Summary Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman traveled to the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos from June 5 to 14. The Deputy Secretary’s travel to the region reflects the United States’ continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific and follows last month’s U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit, President Biden’s visit to the ROK and Japan, the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, and the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. In Seoul, Deputy Secretary Sherman met with ROK leaders, including Foreign Minister Park Jin, Unification Minister Kwon Young-se, and First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong. The Deputy Secretary also discussed the importance of women’s leadership and economic empowerment with leading women startup entrepreneurs, and met with LGBTQI+ civil society leaders to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and mark Pride Month. Also in Seoul, Deputy Secretary Sherman met with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo and had a trilateral meeting with First Vice Foreign Minister Cho and Vice Foreign Minister Mori to discuss how the United States, the ROK, and Japan can continue to work together for the benefit of the region and the world to address the critical challenges of the 21st century. In Manila, Deputy Secretary Sherman met with President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and senior members of the incoming and outgoing administrations to discuss new ways to deepen the bilateral U.S.-Philippines Alliance. She also participated in a business roundtable and an event in celebration of World Oceans Day. In Vientiane, Deputy Secretary Sherman met with Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Vice Foreign Minister Bounleua Phandanouvong to discuss how to best support Laos as it pursues its sustainable development goals and boosts its prosperity and connectivity with its ASEAN neighbors. She also announced additional U.S. support for surveying and clearing unexploded ordnance. The Deputy Secretary engaged with civil society members and alumni of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) to demonstrate the United States’ strong support for Laos civil society and mutual understanding between our countries. In Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Secretary Sherman met with municipal Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen and delivered remarks at Fulbright University Vietnam. In Hanoi, the Deputy Secretary met with Vietnamese officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and Vice Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc to emphasize the strength of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and U.S. support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam. She also announced additional support for surveying and clearing unexploded ordnance, demonstrating our continued commitment to addressing legacies of war. In addition, the Deputy Secretary discussed supply chain resiliency with private sector representatives and, together with Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan, launched a USAID project to counter wildlife trafficking in Vietnam. Vietnam June 14, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meetings with Vietnamese Government Officials June 11, 2022 Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman Fulbright University Vietnam Laos June 10, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Kikeo June 10, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Thongphane Philippines June 9, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin June 9, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Philippine President-Elect Marcos, Jr. Republic of Korea June 8, 2022 Joint Statement on the Republic of Korea-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministerial Meeting June 8, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meetings with Republic of Korea Minister of Unification Kwon and Vice Minister Kim June 8, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori June 7, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Senik June 7, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Prime Minister Han June 7, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Cho June 7, 2022 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park Tags Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Laos Philippines South Korea Vietnam