WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (AFP) - Future US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice on Friday paid a visit to the State Department, where she will replace Colin Powell next month.
She had a series of meetings to pave the way for her expected arrival if confirmed as expected by the Senate.
The department said it was the first visit to its headquarters by Rice, currently President George W. Bush's national security adviser, since Bush nominated her to replace Powell last month.
"She's been working pretty diligently for the past several weeks on the transition. She has received a wealth of briefing materials. She has spoken with and met with the secretary to begin the ... process," deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said.
Her visit came as Powell traveled through Europe and Morocco, and included meetings on staffing, human resources, security, budget and training.
12/10/2004 22:17 GMT - AFP