The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are pleased to provide this joint Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2007 to 2012 that sets forth the Secretary of State's direction and priorities for both organizations in the coming years. The joint Strategic Plan supports the policy positions set forth by President Bush in the National Security Strategy and presents how the Department and USAID will implement U.S. foreign policy and development assistance. In the joint Strategic Plan, the Strategic Goal section defines the primary aims of U.S. foreign policy and development assistance as well as our strategic priorities within each of those goals for the coming years. In addition, for each goal we identify key U.S. Government partners and external factors that could affect achievement of these goals. The Regional Priority section describes the Department and USAID priorities within each region of the world. The joint Strategic Goals cut across the regional priority chapters. The regional priorities reflect how the efforts described in the Strategic Goal chapters fit together in addressing specific regional issues. The seven Strategic Goals outlined in this joint Strategic Plan constitute the strategic planning framework for both agencies. This framework, and the Foreign Assistance Strategic Framework with which it is consistent, will serve as the basis for both organizations' annual performance plans at the Department, bureau, and mission levels. The annual plans will focus more specifically on our efforts to meet tangible performance goals and will contain specific performance indicators. Our success in meeting our performance goals will indicate our overall progress in achieving the mission and strategic goals outlined in this joint Strategic Plan. This joint Strategic Plan is submitted in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA).