PHOTOS: Peters Highlights Strength of Trans-Atlantic Alliance and Response to Russia’s War in Ukraine During Congressional Delegation in Europe

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, recently returned from a congressional delegation to France, Georgia and Italy. Peters and the delegation met with U.S. 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, as well as shared security interests. The delegation also focused on global issues of mutual interest and concern, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global hunger and food insecurity including an escalating food crisis caused by Russia’s illegal invasion in Ukraine, cybersecurity threats, the refugee crisis, climate change, and nuclear non-proliferation.

“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has reaffirmed the need to further strengthen our close partnership with our NATO and European allies. I’m pleased I had the opportunity to meet with key allies to underscore our resolve in this moment and discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the world,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “The trans-Atlantic alliance has been steadfast and in lock-step in responding to Putin and supporting the Ukrainian military and its people. It was an honor to meet with our partners and allies in Europe directly to build off our joint efforts and continue upholding our mutual democratic values.”

Below is a readout of Peters’ visit to each nation. Photos courtesy of Peters’ office can be downloaded here from France, Georgia and Italy.

France

France is one of America’s oldest and closest allies and a vital partner in the G7, NATO, and the United Nations. In Paris, Peters met with senior French officials, including Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Diplomatic Advisor to President Emmanuel Macron Emmanuel Bonne. The delegation discussed how to further deepen the alliance between France and the United States and work in coordination to respond forcefully to Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine. They also met with U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to the OECD and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, and staff of refugee support organization France Terre d’Asile.

Georgia

In Tbilisi, Georgia, Peters met with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Georgian opposition leaders, and U.S. Ambassador Kelly Degnan. The delegation commemorated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United States and discussed the importance of three decades of partnership on issues of democracy, security, and economic development. The delegation also met with exiled Russian journalists and dissidents victimized by Vladimir Putin’s brutal repression of the Russian people. 

Italy

In Italy, Peters met directly with Ukrainian refugees who expressed a desire to return home to Ukraine. He also met with U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Agencies in Rome Cindy McCain, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Joe Donnelly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio, President of the Senate Elisabetta Casellati, and leaders from the Italian energy company Eni. Peters also participated in a joint meeting with Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization Qu Dongyu, President of the International Fund for Agriculture Development Gilbert Houngbo, and Executive Director of the World Food Programme David Beasley.

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