US secretary of state expected to accompany Trump at next week's APEC summit

U.S. President Donald Trump (left) listens as Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 22, 2025. AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit South Korea next week as part of his trip to Asian countries, the State Department said Wednesday.

In a press statement, the department said Rubio will "travel to Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Gyeongju" from Oct. 26 to 30 to "advance peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," after wrapping up his trip to Jerusalem where he will "reaffirm America's unwavering commitment to Israel's security and engage with partners to build on the historic momentum towards durable peace and integration in the Middle East."

He is likely to accompany U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive next Wednesday for a brief two-day visit to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

The visit will be his first trip to Seoul since he assumed the post with the inauguration of Trump's second, non-consecutive term in January.

During his stay here, Rubio is expected to meet with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.

Lee Hugh