President Bush visits the Middle East May 13 - 18

The President and Mrs. Bush Visits Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt from May 13-18, 2008.

In Israel, the President met with President Peres and Prime Minister Olmert and address the Knesset. The President will then travel to Saudi Arabia and meet with King Abdallah. In Egypt, the President will hold meetings with President Mubarak, King Abdullah of Jordan, and Palestinian Authority President Abbas, and deliver remarks at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East.

The President's visit to Israel will celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary and our close ties over the past six decades. His visit to Saudi Arabia will also commemorate our seventy fifth anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations. In his meetings with regional leaders, the President will reaffirm efforts toward peace and prosperity and our close work with regional allies to combat terrorism and promote freedom.  (more)

Palestine Investment Conference Set for May 21-23

U.S to Support the Creation of Economic Opportunities for Palestinian Investors

In May, the Palestinian Authority is convening the Palestine Investment Conference, in an effort to improve economic and social conditions in the territories, which is a critical component of the broader Middle East peace process.  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said at an April 29 briefing that the Annapolis conference envisioned developing the Middle East peace process on a number of tracks.  "There is also a very strong commitment to do something about the economic prospects for the Palestinian people," she said.  "That effort, with [the Quartet’s special envoy] former [British] Prime Minister Tony Blair and our contribution to the international effort, the U.S.-Palestinian Partnership, is well under way."  In addition to the participation of the U.S. Palestinian Partnership in the Conference, the U.S. government will support the Conference along with other international donors.  (more)

Bush Reiterates U.S. Commitment to Achieving a Palestinian State During Meeting with Abbas at White House

President Bush received Palestinian President Abbas at the White House on April 24.  The two leaders discussed progress on negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis and ways in which the U.S. government can support the parties.  President Abbas also met with Secretary Rice. (more)

$500 million U.S. Initiative Helps  Palestinians Live the “American Dream” of Home Ownership

In a ceremony in Ramallah today, President of the U.S. government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Robert Mosbacher, Jr. launched an initiative to provide up to $500 million for a residential mortgage loan program to support the expansion of affordable housing for Palestinians. “Mortgage finance that is both affordable and accessible is a vital engine for home ownership and economic growth,” Mosbacher said. “This mortgage program will expand mortgage lending to the people who need it most, and in the process provide hope to average Palestinians living in the West Bank.” (more)

US College Recruiters Participate in StudyUSA Fair in Ramallah