Goal of Visit: Promote Stronger U.S.-Middle East Commercial Relations RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today begins an eight-day visit to the Middle East to encourage economic reform and promote stronger commercial relationships between the United States and the Middle East. Gutierrez will travel to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, February 24 to March 2.
Gutierrez's visit to the Middle East comes on the heels of Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organization and President Bush signing a Free Trade Agreement with Bahrain.
"This trip is a great opportunity to promote the economic side of our relationship with the Middle East and continue to help them in their quest toward freer societies which includes free enterprise and trade," said Gutierrez.
The Secretary will begin his visit in Saudi Arabia where he will meet with senior Saudi officials and key business and community representatives. Gutierrez will recognize the country's economic reforms and congratulate the Saudis on their recent accession to the World Trade Organization, which he called an "important step" toward economic reform and increased transparency.
In Bahrain, Secretary Gutierrez will join senior Bahraini officials and prominent members of the business community at a conference entitled "Free Trade in the Middle East" to discuss the recently signed Free Trade Agreement. He will also meet with government officials to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral commercial relations.
President Bush signed into law on Jan. 11, 2006 the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement. It is the first U.S. free trade agreement with a Gulf country and the third with an Arab state following Jordan and Morocco.
The President has made it a goal to help advance economic reforms in the Middle East and establish a Middle East Free Trade Agreement (MEFTA) by 2013.
"I'm proud to be visiting Bahrain for the first time and at a moment when the Kingdom is offering such strong economic and political leadership in the Gulf region. The Free Trade Agreement with Bahrain formalizes the growing economic partnership between Bahrain and the United States and is a testament to the vision, determination, and wisdom shown by the Government of Bahrain," said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez will conclude his eight-day stay in the Middle East in Egypt. There, he will solidify the United States' commitment to being a partner with Egypt in both economic and democratic reform.
"Egypt is a vital leader in regional trade, prosperity and security and I look forward to meeting with government officials to discuss their plans for future reforms that will foster economic growth. I applaud the important measures that have been implemented and hope Egypt will continue along this path of economic reform and trade liberalization," said Gutierrez.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
