KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 – United States Secretary of Defence Charles Timothy “Chuck” Hagel (photo) will make a three-day visit to Malaysia next week, as part of his four-nation trip to Southeast Asia.
According to a news release issued by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Hagel will travel to Kuala Lumpur from Aug 24 to 26.
The statement however did not provide any programme involving Hagel while in the capital.
According to the statement, Hagel will begin his trip in Honolulu where he will meet with US Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III and visit with US Marines at Kaneohe Bay.
He will then travel to Kuala Lumpur from Aug 24 to 26 followed by a two-day visit to Jakarta, Indonesia.
From Jakarta, Hagel will travel to Brunei, where he is scheduled to meet the ASEAN Defence Ministers at their annual retreat on Aug 28.
The Secretary will then participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) on Aug 29.
Hagel is to conclude his trip in Manila on Aug 29 and return to Washington on Aug 30.
Hagel was sworn in as the 24th Secretary of Defence on Feb 27 this year, becoming the first enlisted combat veteran to lead the department.
– BERNAMA
