The NYT has learned about the US State Department's plan to close a number of embassies and consulates

The US State Department is considering the possibility of closing almost 30 diplomatic missions abroad. This was reported by The New York Times on April 15, citing a document in its possession.

"The administration of [President of the United States Donald] Trump is considering plans to close 10 embassies and 17 consulates, as well as reduce or consolidate the staff of several other foreign missions," the publication says.

Among the countries where diplomatic missions may be closed are Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, Eritrea, Gambia, Maldives and Grenada. They are also discussing the complete closure or significant reduction of the Embassy in Somalia and the Diplomatic Support Center in Baghdad.

In addition, consulates in France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Great Britain, Cameroon, Indonesia, the Republic of South Africa (South Africa) and the Republic of Korea are under threat of closure.

According to the newspaper, if these plans are implemented, the United States may give way to China in terms of the number of diplomatic missions in Europe, Africa and East Asia.

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On February 12, NBC News reported that Trump intends to close a number of American consulates and diplomatic missions in Europe, Canada, Mexico and some islands in the Pacific Ocean in order to reduce the State Department's expenses. It is clarified that the American leader has already reviewed the list of consulates.