US President George Bush will visit Israel and the West Bank next month as part of a nine-day trip intended to help peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
He also will make stops in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, leaving Washington on January 8.
While Middle East peacemaking has been a low priority for most of his presidency, Mr Bush last month hosted a conference in Annapolis, to encourage talks between Israel and the Palestinians on an independent Palestinian homeland.
“This visit will follow up on the progress made at Annapolis in helping Israelis and Palestinians to advance their efforts toward peace and achievement of the president’s vision of two democratic states living side-by-side in peace and security, as well as encourage Israeli-Arab reconciliation,” a White House spokeswoman said.
“The trip will also be an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring commitment of the United States to the security of our allies in the Middle East, especially with the Gulf nations, and our close work with them to combat terrorism and extremism, promote freedom, and seek peace and prosperity in the region.”