US Politics: New Secretary of State to embark on first foreign trip

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02:31

The US has a new Secretary of State. Former CIA Director Mike Pompeo took over, after being confirmed by the Senate. He wasted no time in getting to work. CGTN's Sean Callebs reports that Pompeo has already set off to Europe for a series of meetings.

The newly-sworn in U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is off and running. His first trip will take him to the NATO Ministerial meeting in Brussels --- From there, he goes to the Middle East -to sit down with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

JOHN CORNYN US REPUBLICAN SENATOR "The man has what it takes for the job."

Despite the high praise from Republican Senator John Cornyn -- Pompeo was only approved by a 57-42 vote, with many Democrats digging in their heels.

JOHN CORNYN US REPUBLICAN SENATOR "It's clear their no vote is primarily a way to lash out at president Trump -- because anyone president trump chooses, they instinctively and reflexively actively oppose."

Pompeo comes into the job with a full plate. He has important decisions on relations with China - the DPRK and the elevated tension on the Korean Peninsula. He will also counsel President Trump on whether U.S. troops remain in Syria.

MIKE POMPEO US SECRETARY OF STATE "I Think the president has made it clear he wants to get out. He does want to have fewer American men and women there than we had some period ago."

And there is the ongoing concern over strained relations between the United States and Russia -and allegations Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election, and whether full sanctions need to be implemented.

MIKE POMPEO US SECRETARY OF STATE "Vladimir Putin has not yet received the message sufficiently --and we need to continue to work on that."

But Democrats still openly wonder if Pompeo is qualified to be the top U.S. diplomat.

BOB MENENDEZ US DEMOCRATIC SENATOR "At the end of the day, as I consider director Pompeo's nomination including his hearing - his past statements and recent revelations -i have lingering concerns."

Pompeo has urged the U.S. to pull out of the Iran Nuclear Deal and the Paris Climate Accord. He also has alleged that American Muslims are "potentially complicit" in terrorism.

SEAN CALLEBS WASHINGTON Pompeo also inherits a State Department mired in low morale. Many of the top staff positions remain unfilled -- as do dozens of ambassador positions around the world. Expect the 74-thousand person State Department to closely watch his moves -to try to gauge what kind of leader Pompeo will be. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Washington.