Washington, Jan 4, 2019, SPA -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will embark next week on an expansive eight-stop tour of the Middle East in an effort to assure US partners of America's commitment to the region. Pompeo's trip comes amid concern after US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from Syria. "Despite reports to the contrary and false narratives surrounding the Syria decision, we are not going anywhere," a senior State Department official said during a conference call. "The secretary will reinforce that commitment to the region and our partners." Pompeo will visit eight countries - Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait - during the trip, which begins Tuesday. --SPA 02:09 LOCAL TIME 23:09 GMT 0014 www.spa.gov.sa/w815375