US Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a series of telephonic discussions on Wednesday with several global leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, as she prepares for her final international trip next week.
Harris, aged 60, expressed gratitude to Macron and Scholz for their partnership throughout the Biden-Harris administration. Her discussions also included leaders from Barbados, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Kenya, highlighting the US’s global alliances and partnerships cultivated during her tenure.
From January 13 to January 17, Vice President Harris will travel to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany. Her itinerary includes meetings with regional leaders and visits to key US military installations. On January 15, Harris will meet with officials in Singapore and visit Changi Naval Base. The following day, she will engage with leaders in Manama, Bahrain, and tour Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which houses US Naval Forces Central Command and the US 5th Fleet. Finally, on January 17, Harris will visit the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, home to the US Air Force’s 52nd Fighter Wing.
Throughout her trip, Harris intends to reflect on the Biden-Harris administration’s achievements, US partnerships with the respective nations, and the contributions of American military forces to regional and global security. She will also engage directly with US service members stationed at these installations.
In her calls with world leaders, Harris underscored key accomplishments and priorities. With French President Macron, she reaffirmed the importance of a strong and united NATO and thanked him for his unwavering support of Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Harris highlighted the enduring US-France alliance, grounded in democratic principles and shared values, which has driven progress on mutual priorities spanning Africa, the Indo-Pacific, and advancements in space and technology.
During her conversation with Chancellor Scholz, Harris emphasised the crucial role of the US-Germany partnership in addressing global economic and security challenges. She commended Scholz for his leadership in supporting Ukraine and expressed appreciation for Germany hosting US service members. She reiterated her commitment to NATO and discussed her upcoming visit to Spangdahlem Air Base, a significant symbol of US-German collaboration.
Harris also reached out to Caribbean leaders, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, the Chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The vice president reviewed progress in US-Caribbean relations, particularly the Biden-Harris administration’s initiatives to strengthen partnerships in the region. She highlighted the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030, a strategy aimed at fostering collaboration on climate resilience.
In her call with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, Harris reviewed efforts to address irregular migration. She highlighted the success of the Root Causes Strategy and the Central America Forward initiative, which has attracted over USD 5.2 billion in private-sector investments, creating economic opportunities and reducing irregular migration to the US.
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Harris also spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto, focusing on expanding digital inclusion and advancing technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and clean energy across Africa. These discussions build on the Kenya State Visit in May 2024 and the vice president’s work to promote private-sector investment in digital and climate-focused solutions.
Harris’s tenure as vice president, marked by significant international engagements, concludes as she prepares to hand over the role to Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio on January 20. Despite her wide-ranging diplomatic efforts, Harris was unable to visit India during her term. The last US vice president to visit India was Joe Biden in 2013 when he served under President Barack Obama.
As Harris embarks on her final international journey, she aims to cement the Biden-Harris administration’s global legacy, reinforce US alliances, and express gratitude to service members and global partners alike.
