Pompeo announces a visit to Israel, Gulf countries
Pompeo is expected to arrive in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Abraham Accords.
By OMRI NAHMIASUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a five-day visit to the region, August 24, 2020(photo credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)
WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to seven countries, including Israel, the State Department announced on Tuesday. Pompeo will leave for a 10-day trip on Friday.His first stop will be France, where he is expected to meet President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and other senior officials.In Istanbul, Pompeo will meet the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), Bartholomew I, “to discuss religious issues in Turkey and the region and to promote our strong stance on religious freedom around the world,” the State Department said.Following Turkey, the secretary will depart to Tbilsi, Georgia, where he will meet with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, “to express support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to urge further progress in democratic reforms.”Next week, Pompeo is expected to arrive in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Abraham Accords, “and our joint efforts to address Iran’s malign activities.”He will then visit three Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates that recently normalized its ties with Israel in a White House-brokered agreement. Pompeo is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed “to discuss security cooperation and regional issues,” in Abu Dhabi.He will then travel to Qatar, to meet with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani “to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including the importance of Gulf unity.”His final stop will be in Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the State Department said.
