Statement by the Press Secretary on Upcoming Travel by the President

The President is scheduled to travel to Moscow, Russia, July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Medvedev.  The summit meeting will provide an opportunity for the United States and the Russian Federation to deepen engagement on reducing nuclear weapons, cooperating on non-proliferation, exploring ways to cooperate on missile defense, addressing mutual threats and security challenges, and expanding the ties between American and Russian society and business.

The President will then attend the G-8 Summit in L’Aquila, Italy, from July 8 to 10.  The Summit and related meetings with world leaders from emerging and African economies will provide an opportunity for the United States to engage with its partners on a broad range of issues.  The President will also chair a meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate while at L’Aquila.

The President and Mrs. Obama will visit Accra, Ghana, from July 10 to 11.  While in Ghana, the President will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues with Ghanaian President Mills.  The President and Mrs. Obama look forward to strengthening the U.S. relationship with one of our most trusted partners in sub-Saharan Africa, and to highlighting the critical role that sound governance and civil society play in promoting lasting development.

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