As the US Embassy to Georgia has reported, a US Congressional delegation will visit France, Georgia, and Italy this week. The delegation will be led by US Senator Chris Coons, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Joining Senator Coons’ delegation are Senators Gary Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, and Bob Casey, and Representatives Stephanie Murphy, Kathleen Rice, David Cicilline, and Ted Deutch.
According to the embassy, the delegation will hold meetings with US diplomats, senior government officials, and civil society leaders in each country to discuss the importance of sustaining and strengthening the trans-Atlantic alliance, maintaining a forceful response against Russia’s war against Ukraine, and bolstering European security. The delegation will also address issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global hunger, the refugee crisis, climate change, and non-proliferation.
“The United States must lead the way in addressing the global challenges and opportunities before us, from global security to the COVID-19 pandemic to developing a 21st-century global agenda built on democratic values, but we can only do that together with our friends and allies,” Senator Coons noted.
Senator Peters noted that the Russian aggression against Ukraine reaffirmed the need to further strengthen close partnerships with European allies.
“The trans-Atlantic alliance has been steadfast and in lock-step in responding to Vladimir Putin and supporting the Ukrainian military and people. I look forward to meeting with our partners and allies in Europe to build off our joint efforts and continue upholding our mutual democratic values,” Peters noted.
Senator Casey noted that against the background of Russian aggression on Ukraine, trans-Atlantic alliances are as important as ever. “Putin may have thought he could damage democracy, but the world stands united against him,” the senator said.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Rice stated that she is “honored to take part in this important delegation to reaffirm the strength of our relationships with our European allies,” adding that “International alliances are the United States’ greatest tool in maintaining global peace and stability”.
“I look forward to our meetings and to discussing how we can continue building a better future as we all recover from the economic and health crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Congressman Cicilline said.
Representative Murphy on her part stressed that showing unity and reassuring European allies has become critical for US leaders amid the war in Ukraine.
“Our delegation will travel to France and Italy, two of America’s strongest allies, and Georgia, one of NATO’s closest partners. I look forward to discussing additional steps we can take to support Ukraine and impose severe costs on Russia,” she noted.
