Senator Hassan Visits Israel & Joins Bipartisan Trip to Egypt, Slovenia, Italy, and Ireland
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) recently met with key leaders to discuss a range of issues – including strengthening international partnerships, standing up to Putin and the Chinese government, and preparing for evolving global threats – during an official Congressional visit to Israel and a bipartisan Congressional Delegation trip to Egypt, Slovenia, Italy, and Ireland.
“The most important responsibility of our government is to keep Americans safe, secure, and free, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet with key global leaders over the past week,” said Senator Hassan. “This trip underscored the importance of continuous engagement with our partners and allies around the world. I look forward to building on our conversations during this trip by continuing to help strengthen our international alliances, support democracy, and build a stronger future for our country.”
Israel
In her visit to Israel, Senator Hassan met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, leaders of other parties in the Knesset, civil society leaders, and an expert on technology and security. Throughout the meetings, Senator Hassan emphasized her strong support for Israel and the importance of protecting the U.S.-Israel alliance. She discussed the need for Israel and the U.S. to continue to work together to combat security threats, including from Iran. Senator Hassan also raised concerns about Israel’s judicial reforms and the importance of maintaining the two countries' shared values and commitment to democracy. Senator Hassan also visited the Shalva National Center, which provides a supportive community with a range of services for families with children with disabilities. In addition, she visited the Yitzhak Rabin Center and Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
Egypt
For the rest of Senator Hassan’s trip, she joined a bipartisan Congressional Delegation led by Lindsey Graham (R-SC). In Egypt, they met with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry. Senator Hassan discussed the importance of U.S.-Egyptian defense cooperation – including for counterterrorism efforts – and the need for Egypt’s continued cooperation with Israel. In their meeting, they also discussed the Negev Forum and its role in enhancing multilateral cooperation within the region. In addition, Senator Hassan raised the importance of protecting human rights, including women’s rights. She also discussed threats from Chinese technology and discussed opportunities to strengthen U.S-Egypt economic ties.
Italy
Next, Senator Hassan and the Congressional Delegation attended the 49th edition of the Ambrosetti Forum, an annual international conference addressing global economic and geopolitical concerns – including from Russia and China – in Italy. At the Forum, which included heads of state, government and business leaders, and academics, topics included the importance of the United States’ alliance with European countries – especially amid Putin’s war on Ukraine, new opportunities presented from developments in science and technology, and how to best meet the challenges of building a stronger 21st century economy and clean energy future. In addition, Senator Hassan met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Slovenia
In Slovenia, Senator Hassan and the delegation met with Prime Minister Robert Golob and President Nataša Pirc Musar, who was elected in 2022 and is the first woman to hold the office. In their meetings, Senator Hassan discussed the importance of continued security cooperation between the United States and Slovenia and standing up to the Chinese government. Senator Hassan also discussed the need for continued support for the NATO alliance, as well as the need to continue to support Ukraine in the face of Putin’s aggression. In addition, the delegation heard updates on the severe flooding that Slovenia recently experienced and the strong response efforts of the Slovenian government.
Ireland
Senator Hassan and the group concluded their trip with a visit to Ireland, where they met with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar and discussed the need to stand united in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cybersecurity challenges, and ways to grow U.S.-Ireland economic ties.
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