Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Russo Travels to Belgium, Brunei, Thailand, and Laos

Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs William Russo will travel to Belgium, Brunei, Thailand, and Laos from November 29 to December 8, 2023.  His trip will prioritize working with U.S. embassies on policy and messaging priorities and engaging with partners in the information space.  Assistant Secretary Russo will meet with government officials, local and international media outlets, students, journalists, non-governmental organizations, and U.S. embassy staff. 

In Belgium, Assistant Secretary Russo will be the Head of Delegation for the United States to the 2023 NATO Senior Communicators Conference.  This conference will focus on the challenge of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference and discuss Alliance communications efforts and messaging related to the NATO Washington Summit to be held in July 2024.  While there, he will meet with several counterparts among our NATO Allies, in addition to engaging with tri-mission staff.  

In Brunei, Assistant Secretary Russo will meet with Bruneian officials, including the Minster of Primary Resources and Tourism.  He will also speak with alumni of U.S. exchange programs and Bruneian journalists as we prepare to commemorate the 40th anniversary of U.S.-Brunei diplomatic relations in 2024. 

In Thailand, Assistant Secretary Russo will meet with Thai government officials, visit the Asia Pacific Media Hub, and meet with embassy staff.  He will also speak with journalists and media partners to discuss modern communications and the media environment.   

In Laos, Assistant Secretary Russo will meet with Lao PDR officials and visit the embassy.  He will also engage with journalists and media contacts to discuss the Lao PDR government’s plans and media preparations and support for the 2024 ASEAN Chair Year, as well as modern strategic communications and countering disinformation. 

Follow along on Twitter/X at @GPA_AS for more updates from the trip.