Deputy Secretary Zoellick to Travel to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Egypt for the World Economic Forum

During his visit to London May 16-17, Zoellick will meet with Chancellor Gordon Brown and other senior officials from Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government. He will participate in a breakfast roundtable of the Atlantic Partnership, and also meet with Conservative Leader David Cameron.

"The U.S. - UK relationship is a vital partnership, and we greatly value the UK’s diplomatic, security, and humanitarian leadership," said Deputy Secretary Zoellick. "I was privileged to work closely earlier this month with UK Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn in Abuja, Nigeria, where the United States and the United Kingdom helped push forward the Darfur Peace Agreement. I look forward to good discussions with my UK colleagues on the critical implementation of the DPA, as well as on other security, economic, and diplomatic topics."

Deputy Secretary Zoellick will travel to The Hague May 17-18 for bilateral and regional consultations with Foreign Minister Bernard Bot and Development Minister Agnes Van Ardenne.

"The United States appreciates the good relationship we have with our Dutch friends, including the Netherlands’ contributions to the international effort in Afghanistan," said Zoellick. "My discussions with Ministers Bot and Van Ardenne will focus on important bilateral and global issues, such as energy security. The Netherlands has also graciously offered to host a conference to support the reconstruction and development of Darfur, in concert with the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement."

In Tunis from May 19-20, Zoellick will meet with senior Tunisian officials to listen and learn and explore ways to broaden U.S.-Tunisian cooperation.

"The United States and Tunisia can work together to promote peace, development, and security in the region," said Zoellick. "I look forward to learning more about Tunisia’s perspectives on the common terrorist threat and exploring ways that Tunisia can advance political and economic reform."

Following his visit to Tunisia, Deputy Secretary Zoellick will travel to Sharm al-Sheikh for the World Economic Forum, where he will participate in a "Conversation on Freedom and Development in the Middle East," and have numerous sessions with government and private sector leaders from across the region. Zoellick will also meet the U.S. Congressional delegation attending the event.