Pence to visit Egypt, Jordan, Israel in January

World Monday 08/January/2018 21:18 PM
By: Times News Service
Pence to visit Egypt, Jordan, Israel in January

Washington: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel from January 20 to 23, the White House said on Monday, embarking on a tour originally planned for last month after President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Pence will hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said in a statement.
Pence, a strong supporter of Trump's decision on Jerusalem, will give a speech at the Israeli parliament, it said.
Trump's decision on Jerusalem and announcement in December that the United States would start the process of moving its embassy from Tel Aviv led to uproar and protest in the region.
"At President Trump's direction, the vice president is traveling to the Middle East to reaffirm our commitment to work with the U.S.' allies in the region to defeat radicalism that threatens future generations," said Alyssa Farah, a spokeswoman for Pence.
He plans to discuss with the three leaders "ways to work together to fight terrorism and improve our national security," she added.
The status of Jerusalem, which is home to Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy sites, is one of the thorniest obstacles to a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, who were furious over Trump's move and have declined to meet with Pence.
Pence postponed a planned visit to Egypt and Israel last month to stay in Washington for a congressional vote on Trump's tax overhaul plan.