Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 2, 2007 Deputy Secretary Negroponte Travel to Latin AmericaDeputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte will travel to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama on May 7-12, 2007, to discuss pending trade agreements, energy issues, and regional cooperation. Following on President Bush's March 2007 visit to the region, Deputy Secretary Negroponte will also highlight the President's commitment to advance the cause of social justice in the Western Hemisphere by building governments that are fair, effective, and that meet the basic needs of their citizens. Deputy Secretary Negroponte will discuss issues such as education, healthcare, housing, and how the United States can assist in creating greater economic opportunities in the hemisphere. The Deputy Secretary will meet with local business executives, civil society, and human rights groups, in addition to senior officials in the host governments. He will visit micro enterprises and see schools supported by United States Government programs. Accompanying the Deputy Secretary will be Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas A. Shannon. |