Wednesday, 15/08/2018 14:30 (GMT+7)
US Secretary of Defense James Mattis on August 12th embarked on his first diplomatic visit to South America, Pentagon officials announced.
U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis (Source: Kyodo/VNA)
The White House has declared 2018 the “Year of the Americas,” and the Secretary's trip underscores the Department's strong defense ties with Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, officials said, adding that these relationships are critical to a collaborative, prosperous and secure Western Hemisphere.
Mr. Mattis began his trip in Brazil. He met in Brasilia with Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes and Defense Minister General Joaquim Silva e Luna, with whom he addressed human rights issues and the role of both countries in peacekeeping missions.
According to a statement released by the Pentagon, during their meeting, Mattis and Nunes addressed a "wide range of defense issues."
The Secretary will then visit Argentina, where he will meet with senior defense officials to discuss defense issues of mutual interest.
His third stop is Chile, to exchange strategic perspectives with senior officials.
Mattis concludes his trip in Colombia, where he will meet with the administration of new Colombian President Ivan Duque./.
Compiled by BTA