Kerry to address top world issues on upcoming trip

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State John Kerry leaves Friday to visit seven countries on a trip focusing on global issues such as the Syrian crisis, Middle East peace and the West's standoffs with Iran and North Korea over their nuclear programs.

The State Department announced yesterday that Kerry's roughly two-week trip will include stops in Qatar, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel and Brunei.

Last month, Kerry shuttled between Israel and the Palestinians to try to restart peace talks. His return trip to the region was postponed because of meetings on Syria.

In New Delhi, Kerry will engage in an annual dialogue on a range of diplomatic and economic issues.

In Brunei, Kerry will attend a Southeast Asia security conference.