US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that the State Department will carry out comprehensive reforms, including abolishing projects and closing some offices, but a proposed executive order to close several foreign embassies was not adopted. “According to the current structure, the State Council is bloated and inefficient, and is unable to effectively carry out its core diplomatic mission under today's new pattern of competition among major powers,” Rubio said in a statement. “Over the past 15 years, the State Council's institutional expansion has been unprecedented, and spending has risen sharply. But instead of seeing a corresponding return, taxpayers have seen a decline in the efficiency and effectiveness of diplomatic work.” Rubio said that the reform plan will integrate some regional functions, close redundant institutions, and cut down some projects “inconsistent with America's core national interests.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that the State Department will carry out comprehensive reforms, including abolishing projects and closing some offices, but a proposed executive order to close several foreign embassies was not adopted. “According to the current structure, the State Council is bloated and inefficient, and is unable to effectively carry out its core diplomatic mission under today's new pattern of competition among major powers,” Rubio said in a statement. “Over the past 15 years, the State Council's institutional expansion has been unprecedented, and spending has risen sharply. But instead of seeing a corresponding return, taxpayers have seen a decline in the efficiency and effectiveness of diplomatic work.” Rubio said that the reform plan will integrate some regional functions, close redundant institutions, and cut down some projects “inconsistent with America's core national interests.”