Deputy Secretary Zoellick: Travel to Sudan, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq

Deputy Secretary Zoellick speaks to a gathering of troops from nine coalition nations, including soldiers from Slovakia, seen left, during a visit to Camp Charlie in Hilla, Iraq, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. AP/Wide World photo.

Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick departed July 6, 2005 on a trip to Sudan, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq. In his third trip to the region in 12 weeks, Deputy Secretary Zoellick is continuing to articulate key aspects of President Bush's agenda, including a peaceful transition of government and end to conflict in Sudan, reconstruction and democratic development in Iraq, and promotion of free and fair elections in Egypt.

While in Sudan, the Deputy Secretary joined Sudanese and other African leaders and dignitaries in marking the historic establishment of Sudan's Government of National Unity and interim constitution under the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) that came into force on January 9, 2005. The CPA, which was negotiated with the assistance of the United States through the leadership of Ambassador Jack Danforth, ended the 21-year-long civil war between North and South Sudan. In Khartoum, Deputy Secretary Zoellick met with Sudanese leaders from the North and South, African leaders, and UN officials. In addition, the Deputy Secretary made his third trip to Darfur to assess the humanitarian and security situation by meeting with local leaders, representatives of the NGO community and aid workers, and the African Union's security forces. He also met with some of the internally displaced persons.

In Jordan, Deputy Secretary Zoellick headed a U.S. government delegation to the United States - Iraq Joint Commission on Reconstruction and Economic Development. The Deputy Secretary discussed strategy and next steps with his Iraqi counterparts on a number of issues ranging from economic and agriculture reform to the continued development of the oil and electricity sectors in Iraq. The Deputy Secretary also held bilateral meetings with Jordanian officials to discuss their reform efforts.

In Egypt, the Deputy Secretary will have a series of meetings with President Mubarak and Egyptian leadership, as well as political opposition leaders, to discuss political and economic reforms, transparency in governance, and progress on the Middle East peace process.

Remarks by Deputy Secretary Zoellick
07/14/2005: Joint Egyptian-American Press Roundtable
07/10/2005: Interview with Al Arabiya
07/09/2005: Press Conference in Khartoum, Sudan
07/05/2005: Briefing Prior to the Trip

 Related Information
07/10/2005: United States Recognizes Sudan's Government of National Unity and Interim Constitution as Important Step
07/05/2005: United States Welcomes Signing of Declaration of Principles on Darfur