国际英语新闻:Senior U.S. diplomat to visit Germany, Israel

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said Monday that Andrea Thompson, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, would travel to Germany and Israel from Feb. 13-21.

In Germany this weekend, Thompson will participate in the 2019 Munich Security Conference (MSC) to discuss cyber security and arms control issues, according to a statement issued by the State Department.

Thompson will also conduct a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials in Germany, the statement said.

In her trip to Israel, Thompson will join the U.S.-Israel Joint Political Military Group, one of the bilateral security discussions with Israel's Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a press release, the MSC this year anticipates the largest delegation of all time from the United States. Vice President Mike Pence and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan have confirmed their participation.

Over 600 high-level decision-makers from around the world will attend the MSC on Feb. 15-17 to discuss current issues in international security policy, including transatlantic cooperation and the European Union's self-assertion.