U.S. Relations with the People's Republic of China (2005)

Rice Plans 11-Day Tour of Middle East, East Asia

Democratic reform, free trade, avian flu top secretary's agenda

Following is the text of the State Department announcement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
November 3, 2005

STATEMENT BY SEAN MCCORMACK, SPOKESMAN

Secretary's Travel to the Middle East and Asia

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to the Middle East and Asia from November 10-21, 2005. Secretary Rice will visit Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian Territories before continuing on to Asia. In Bahrain, the Secretary will attend the Forum for the Future and will discuss regional issues including democratic reform, and support for the democratic political process in Iraq. In Saudi Arabia she will attend the Saudi Strategic Dialogue and consult with the Saudis on a variety of issues including support for democracy reform and counter terrorism. The Secretary will then travel to Israel and Palestinian Territories to attend the Tenth Commemoration of the Assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and to address the closing session of the Saban Forum. She will also discuss with the situation in the region both the Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The Secretary will proceed to Busan, Republic of Korea to lead the U.S. delegation at the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Following the APEC Leaders' Meeting in Busan, she will accompany President Bush on his visits to the People's Republic of China and Mongolia. At APEC, the U.S. hopes to advance commitments for the upcoming Doha Round, promote Avian Flu preparedness and planning, and reaffirm Asia-Pacific cooperation in promoting free trade and open markets.

(end text)