US V-P Harris to travel to Singapore, Bahrain, Germany before leaving office

WASHINGTON - US Vice-President Kamala Harris will travel to Asia, the Middle East and Europe from Jan 13 through Jan 17, the White House said on Jan 7.

The trip, which will likely be Ms Harris’ last as vice-president before leaving office on Jan 20, will have stops in Singapore, Bahrain and Germany, according to the White House.

She will be accompanied by her husband, Mr Doug Emhoff.

The White House said Ms Harris will meet Singapore leaders and visit Changi Naval Base while in the Republic on Jan 15. “Ms Harris’ visit is a reflection of the longstanding, substantive and multifaceted partnership between Singapore and the United States,” said a spokesperson for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Jan 8.

During her visit, Ms Harris will call on Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and be hosted to lunch by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana, the statement added. She will also visit Changi Naval Base, where she will be meeting US service personnel.

The following day, she will meet leaders in Manama, Bahrain, and visit Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command and the US 5th Fleet, the White House added.

On Jan 16, Ms Harris will be in Germany, to visit the US Air Force 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, according to the White House.

“Throughout her trip, the Vice-President will discuss the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration over the past four years in each region, the US partnership with the respective nations, the contributions of US military forces to regional and global security, and the enduring national security interests of the United States,” the White House said.

It added that Ms Harris will engage with US service members during the trip. REUTERS