U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
For Immediate Release                                                                            January 12, 2007

Media Note

Under Secretary Hughes and American Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan to Visit China; Under Secretary Hughes to Visit the Philippines

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen P. Hughes and Michelle Kwan, the first American Public Diplomacy Envoy and figure skating champion, will depart January 16 for travel to China.  The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is sending Kwan, a five-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist, to accompany Under Secretary Hughes to meet with students, women’s groups, business and community representatives, government officials, and the media.

Under Secretary Hughes and Ms. Kwan will visit Beijing (Jan. 17-21) and Guangzhou (Jan. 21-23) and Hong Kong (Jan. 23-24, U/S Hughes; Jan. 23-25, Ms. Kwan). 

From Hong Kong, Under Secretary Hughes will visit the Philippines (Jan 24-27), where she will meet with President Arroyo and other senior government officials, students, Filipino veterans, and media representatives.  She will also visit with U.S. representatives working in country to discuss, observe, and review our active public outreach, assistance, and cooperative programs with our Philippine counterparts.

 

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