MR. GIBBS: Good afternoon. Before we get started with your questions, let me make a brief announcement.
The President and the First Lady will be traveling to Indonesia and Australia in the second half of March. This trip is an important part of the President's continued effort to broaden and strengthen the partnerships that are necessary to advance our security and prosperity. Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country, the third largest democracy; is home to the largest Muslim population in the world; and an important partner in the G20.
During his visit the President will formally launch the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership, an initiative through which the United States will broaden and strengthen relations with Indonesia to tackle important regional and global issues.
In addition, this year also marks the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Australia relations. The President looks forward to commemorating that milestone and consulting with Prime Minister Rudd on ways that we can build on the strong relationship between our two countries and discuss issues such as global economic recovery, clean energy and climate change, non-proliferation and Afghanistan.
En route to Asia the President will visit Guam, where he will speak with U.S. service members on the island. We'll have more specific dates for you shortly after they are completely done with the pre-advance.
Q Before or after the NCAA brackets are announced? (Laughter.)
MR. GIBBS: I know that is weighing heavily on many traveling members' minds and we will seek to plan accordingly.
Q Will he visit childhood haunts in Indonesia?
MR. GIBBS: I'd anticipate that that will likely be one of the stops.
Q Is the whole family coming?
MR. GIBBS: Yes.
Q Coincides with spring vacation for two little girls?
MR. GIBBS: Likely, yes.
Q Any plan for India trip?
MR. GIBBS: Not on this trip.
Read the rest of Gibbs' press briefing here.
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