Dreier Concludes Visit to Asia
Delegation Led by the Speaker of the House Visited Japan, Mongolia, China

August 11, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, returned this week from a Congressional Delegation led by the Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL) that focused on economic, political, and security issues in Asia. The bipartisan delegation met with government officials in Japan, Mongolia, and China and worked to enhance bilateral relations in the region. They also met with Ambassador Chris Hill, Head of the U.S. Delegation to the Six-Party Talks on the North Korean nuclear issue, while the Talks were taking place in Beijing.

“The Speaker led us on an incredibly informative, important trip,” Dreier said. “With negotiations ongoing to deal with the North Korean threat, our visit was very timely. As the President has said repeatedly, a multi-lateral approach, including Japan and China, will be key to bringing these talks to a successful resolution. Ambassador Hill gave us an excellent briefing on the progress being made. Our visit to Mongolia was also productive. Mongolia has been a stalwart ally in the Global War on Terror, with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We expressed our thanks to Mongolia’s leaders for their support and our hope that our relationship will continue to grow in a positive way.”

While in Japan, the delegation met with Prime Minister Koizumi and Diet Speaker Kono. They also attended a meeting of the International Parliamentarians Coalition for North Korean Refugees and Human Rights. In Mongolia, they met with Mongolian Speaker Nyamdorj, Prime Minister Elbegdorj, and President Enkhbayar. While in China, they met with the Chairman of the National People’s Congress, Wu Banggao.

On their return, the delegation stopped for memorial visits to Iwo Jima, site of a critical World War II battle, and Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Pacific theater of WWII. Dreier said that the visits to WWII landmarks steeled his resolve in the current fight against Global Terrorism. “The men and women who successfully fought and achieved victory in World War II made the world a safer place for future generations,” Dreier said. “Our young men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are doing the very same thing today. As we mark the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we must remain vigilant in our current struggle. Vigilance always has been, and continues to be, a key component in victory.”