U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Xinhua on Friday that she is still considering who is to succeed outgoing Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick.

"I am working on it. I know that in China, it was well-known that Bob (Zoellick) had a special interest and was often in China, " Rice said when answering questions from Xinhua, during a roundtable interview that brought together journalists from China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Rice said Zoellick's successor must also be a person who recognizes the importance of Asia and has a special interest in the region.

"He (Zoellick) recognizes the importance of the region. And I think anybody who becomes deputy will recognize the importance of the region," she said.

Zoellick has tendered his resignation and is expected to leave office this month. However, his successor is still to be named.

Source: Xinhua