Kerry To Travel To Mideast This Weekend

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. and Turkish officials say Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling to Turkey and Israel this weekend to build on the two nations' efforts to repair ties.

Kerry had planned to depart next week for meetings in London and then South Korea, China and Japan.

But he has moved up his departure to Saturday to build on the rapprochement that President Barack Obama brokered between Turkey and Israel during his visit to the region two weeks ago, the officials said.

Kerry will also discuss regional concerns, including Syria and the Mideast peace process.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly on the trip, which has not been announced.