For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
October 15, 2007

Mrs. Bush to Travel to Middle East

Mrs. Bush will travel to the Middle East October 20-26, 2007 to visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. During the trip, Mrs. Bush will meet with key officials, medical and educational leaders, and leaders of women's groups. While in the region she will also visit several cancer treatment and screening centers and launch new cancer awareness activities. She will observe first-hand the U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research and discuss ways to expand its role.

In the United Arab Emirates, Mrs. Bush will visit a Pink Majlis in Abu Dhabi - where women can go to learn about breast cancer and preventative care. In Dubai, she will join private sector leaders to launch a Breast Cancer Workplace Awareness program. She will meet with Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, widow of the founder and president of the country, the late Sheikh Zayed.

In Saudi Arabia, Mrs. Bush will launch the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research at the King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh and tour the Kingdom's first-ever community cancer screening center. While in Jeddah, she will hold a discussion with breast cancer survivors and advocates. She will also meet with King Abdallah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

In Kuwait, Mrs. Bush will meet with women democratic reformers, legal advocates and business leaders, and visit successful Middle East Partnership Initiative programs, including education and scholarship projects.

In Jordan, Mrs. Bush will visit the King Hussein Cancer Center to unveil a model of Jordan's first community breast cancer screening center and announce the expansion of the Partnership to additional countries in the Middle East. She will also tour the facility, highlighting its use of cutting-edge technology in breast cancer care and meet with child cancer patients. In addition, Mrs. Bush will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in Petra. She will also meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II.

# # #