Obama Trip Stresses Ties to Economies Across Pacific

SAN DIEGO — After a decade in which wars in the Middle East have dominated American foreign policy, President Obama began an eight-day trip around the Pacific Rim on Friday to inaugurate what he hopes will be a new era in which engagement with the fast-growing economies of Asia is paramount.

Mr. Obama will travel from Hawaii, where he will host one trade summit meeting of Pacific nations, including China, to Bali, Indonesia, for a second meeting, promoting both as steps toward his goal of doubling American exports to create more jobs, according to a report in The New York Times.

In between, he will make a quick stop in Australia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the military alliance with the country, which sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. He will also announce an agreement for a permanent American military presence in Australia, allowing increased naval operations.  >>More here

SOURCE:  nytimes.com