Secretary Rice: Travel to the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, July 20-28, 2008

U.S., Australia Continue Tradition of Cooperation Secretary Rice (July 25): "I’ve...appreciated the opportunity we’ve had to go through the complete bilateral and global agenda, both in our conversations with our colleagues at the Asian Regional Forum, but also in our bilateral discussions here. And we’ve covered the full range of issues in our more than 2-1/2 hour bilateral on the plane." Full Text

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice traveled to the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa July 20-28. In Abu Dhabi (July 21-22), Secretary Rice met with host government officials to discuss bilateral issues and cooperation. She also participated in a meeting of several Foreign Ministers of Arab countries to review regional matters of political, economic, and strategic importance. In Singapore (July 22-24), Secretary Rice attended the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial, where she discussed U.S.-ASEAN cooperation as well as regional issues such as disaster relief, Burma, free trade, and food and energy security. Following her visit to Singapore, Secretary Rice traveled to Perth, Australia (July 24-25) for a “hometown visit” with Foreign Minister Smith. While there, the Secretary met with regional officials and community leaders. She also joined Foreign Minister Smith in highlighting the strength of our bilateral alliance and paying homage to those sacrificed in the cause of freedom. In Auckland, New Zealand (July 25-27), Secretary Rice met with Prime Minister Clark, Foreign Minister Peters, and Opposition Leader Key. During these consultations, the Secretary addressed a broad range of topics, including the bilateral political and economic relationship and global concerns. Secretary Rice crossed the International Date Line and arrive in Apia, Samoa on July 26 to participate in a working lunch with her counterparts from Pacific Island Forum states to emphasize U.S. commitment to strengthening cooperation within the region. While in Apia, she also met with Head of State Tufugu Efi and Prime Minister Tuila'epa to underscore U.S. support for Samoa’s commitment to democracy in the region. The Secretary depart Samoa for the United States on July 26, stopping in Hawaii for consultations en route to Washington, DC.   --07/26/08  Remarks With New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters --07/26/08  Remarks With New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark --07/26/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks to the New Zealand-U.S. Council --07/25/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks With Australian Foreign Minister Smith at Kings Park --07/24/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks at Mercedes College --07/24/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks With Australian Foreign Minister Smith --07/24/08 Secretary Rice's Roundtable With Press --07/23/08 Assistant Secretary Hill's Briefing With Traveling Press --07/23/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks After Six-Party Informal Ministerial --07/23/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks at ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference --07/22/08 Assistant Secretary Hill and Ambassador Marciel's Roundtable With Traveling Press --07/21/08 Secretary Rice's Remarks en Route Abu Dhabi and United Arab Emirates --07/17/08 Ambassador Marciel Previews the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN-U.S. Ministerial Meeting --Fact Sheet: The U.S. and East Asia and the Pacific: Assisting in Disaster Preparedness PDF version --Website: ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences and the 15th ASEAN Regional Forum