DID Press: United States has informed Congress of its decision to close five diplomatic missions overseas as part of a broader effort to streamline its global diplomatic footprint, according to sources cited by Reuters.
The planned closures include US diplomatic missions in Winnipeg, Nagoya, Douala, Medan and St. George’s.
According to Reuters, the White House had initially proposed shutting down about 30 overseas diplomatic missions, citing operational costs and reduced strategic necessity. However, only five missions will be closed during the first phase of the plan.
Meanwhile, several Democratic lawmakers and US national security officials have warned that reducing Washington’s diplomatic presence abroad could weaken American influence and strategic engagement in several regions.