Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will embark on his fourth trip Monday, April 17, to re-affirm key U.S. military alliances, engage with strategic partners in the Middle East and Africa, and discuss cooperative effort to counter destabilizing activities and defeat extremist terror organizations.
Secretary Mattis will begin his trip in Saudi Arabia Tuesday, April 18, where he will have a series of meetings with key international counterparts to strengthen commitments to the U.S.-Saudi security partnership.
On Thursday, April 20, Secretary Mattis travels to Egypt to discuss regional security issues and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Memorial in honor of fallen Egyptian soldiers.
On Friday, April 21, in Israel, Secretary Mattis will meet with President Reuben Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman. Additionally, the secretary will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
On Saturday, April 22, Secretary Mattis visits Qatar to meet with key international leadership and continue efforts to strengthen regional security architectures.
On Sunday, April 23, Secretary Mattis will travel to Djibouti to meet with President Ismail Omar Guelleh to further the U.S-Djibouti commitment to promoting regional stability.
Interested press can request more information from OSD Press Operations at 703-697-5131 or osd.pa.dutyofficer@mail.mil.