Participation by the Saudi foreign minister was a key goal of the United States to show Arab support for the conference, but until Friday, the kingdom had balked at saying whether it would attend and at what level.

NPR: Expert Looks at Topics on Tap for Mideast Meeting

Officials in Nyapyidaw recognize that a more vibrant domestic and foreign-invested private sector holds the key to broader economic growth and, in turn, to shoring up support for the government during a still-fragile transition to democracy.

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