At a time when some doubt the benefits of cooperation between the United States and China, this visit is also a chance to demonstrate a simple truth.

WHITEHOUSE: China State Visit Arrival Ceremony

To the contrary, China is building long-term trade relations with Africa that should help open up opportunities for trilateral cooperation, especially at a time when both Africa and the United States will be seeking to improve trade cooperation with Asia.

FORBES: Africa And Obama: What The Continent Should Do In His Second Term

The shooting in the eastern Wardak province was the latest in a series of insider attacks against coalition and Afghan forces that have threatened to undermine their alliance at a time when cooperation would aid the planned handover of security responsibility to local forces next year.

NPR: Insider Attack Kills 2 US Troops, 2 Afghans

Leon Panetta, our Secretary of Defense, will be traveling to Israel to further consult and find additional ways that we can ensure such cooperation at a time when, frankly, the region is experiencing heightened tensions.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Signs US-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act | The White House