the confidence of conversations (to be respected)

[GoodTaste]

Nature spoke to Lander on his first day in office about his goals for the OSTP, criticisms of him, and some of the weighty priorities — such as addressing how to prepare for the next pandemic — that Biden has tasked him with.
Has President Biden asked for your advice yet?
Yes, but I don’t want to elaborate, because the confidence of conversations with presidents is to be respected.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01501-1

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What does "confidence" mean here? It sounds as if to be "secret". I couldn't figure it out. Dictionaries seem to define it as something "confidential information that should be kept secret." I am not sure whether my understanding is correct here.

 

[GoesStation]

It is. Conversations held in confidence should be kept secret.

 

[GoodTaste]

It is. Conversations held in confidence should be kept secret.

OK. What definition do you give the word "confidence" while the meaning of it in the OP is clear because of your explanation?

 

[tedmc]

The keeping/withholding of secrets held in mutual trust.

 

[canadalynx]

I am not a teacher.

Based on the context you provided, "confidence" means "secrecy".

Hope this helps.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

You might also look up the word "confidential."