Re: Middle East Trade

"I welcome the President's announcement today on an initiative for increased economic, social and political progress in the Middle East. The President's goals include an ambitious plan for creating a free trade area in the Middle East by the year 2013. I look forward to working with the President and with our colleagues in the House to strengthen our trade relationship with our friends in the Middle East.

"By setting the foundation for a free trade area in the Middle East, we will be opening this important region to greater opportunity, freedom and hope. I look forward to working on this important initiative, and thank the President for his vision and leadership in promoting sustained peace, freedom, and prosperity in the region."