U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell meets Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia in Jordan today (Saturday), where they will both be attending a meeting of the World Economic Forum.
While at the forum, Mr. Powell also plans to meet with other Arab leaders. Mr. Powell is expected to use the talks to convince Arab officials that President Bush remains committed to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
He is also expected to focus on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to evacuate Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip while consolidating control over parts of the West Bank.
Mr. Bush endorsed the Sharon plan in April, angering Palestinian officials. On Monday, Mr. Qureia meets with U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice in Germany.
The World Economic Forum brings together political and business leaders from around the world for a three day meeting at a Dead Sea resort.
Organizers say the forum will serve as a regional platform for engaging business and government in implementing policy reform. The meeting will also provide participants with a broad perspective of how the Middle East is positioned in the global economy.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.