October 30, 2019
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs visited El Salvador
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Julie Chung, visited El Salvador between October 28 to 30, 2019. The PDAS conducted a brief tour in the region toward strengthening bilateral relations with El Salvador, advancing the U.S. economic agenda, and discussing ways to increase support for democracy in Venezuela and Nicaragua with key actors.
PDAS Chung’s agenda included meetings with Salvadoran government officials, including Vice Minister for Development Cooperation, Víctor Lagos; Ministry of Economy Vice Minister Miguel Ángel Corleto; and, MInistry of Foreign Affairs Vice Minister, Geraldina Beneke. In her conversations, she stressed that bilateral relations should support transparency, the fight against corruption, and the country’s long-term sustainable development. She also reiterated the importance of working with partners who share these values, such as the United States. The United States is a reliable partner and we are committed to the economic growth of El Salvador.
PDAS Chung also met with representatives of the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development, FUSADES, to learn more about El Salvador’s economic development and growth challenges. Her visit to the country also included meetings with Japanese Ambassador to El Salvador, Kazuyoshi Higuchi and Korean Ambassador to El Salvador Hyungil Yang.
Julie Chung assumed the position of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs in November 2018. She was previously the Director for Japan in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and served as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary from February-September 2018. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, she held positions as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Cambodia and Economic Counselor in Thailand.
