WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has returned from a two-week-long official trip to Italy, Cyprus, Greece, and Croatia, culminating with a stop in Saudi Arabia. The trip aimed to reinforce U.S. alliances, address regional security challenges, and advance humanitarian efforts.

From June 20 to July 4, 2024, Senator Booker met with key leaders and international organizations to discuss the work being done to resolve humanitarian crises around the world, opportunities and challenges for U.S. economic investment, and regional political, security, and economic dynamics.

"Traveling to Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, and Saudi Arabia was an incredible opportunity to meet with key leaders and international organizations in order to strengthen America's alliances and engage deeply with our partners in these two pivotal regions. Our European allies, and their close proximity to the Middle East, make these countries focal points for addressing many of our shared security and economic challenges and opportunities.

"Throughout my visit, I was reminded of the profound interconnectedness of our global community. In Italy, discussions on humanitarian aid with a specific focus on Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti underscored our shared commitment to addressing global crises and combating hunger. In Cyprus, I saw up close the critical role that maritime and energy security plays in the region's stability, especially when considering the country's proximity to the Middle East and North Africa. I was also honored and proud to meet with the New Jersey National Guard members deployed to Cyprus as part of the State Partnership Program. Cyprus's role as a key player in addressing the multifaceted security and humanitarian challenges that arise in the Mediterranean cannot be understated. For example, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a central topic during my visit, and we discussed how our nations can better coordinate international efforts to provide relief and support to those suffering. While in Greece, meetings focused on the need for ethical and proper treatment of migrants and refugees, opportunities for economic development, and how enhancing our bilateral relations can contribute to more stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean. Croatia presented an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss economic development. My meetings emphasized the need for continued cooperation between our two countries in addressing security threats and for promoting peace stability in the Adriatic region.

"My final stop in Saudi Arabia allowed me to engage with Saudi leaders on issues ranging from regional security to economic reforms, human rights, and women's empowerment. My discussions with Saudi officials focused on the complexities of the Middle East and how the U.S. and our partners can work together towards building lasting peace and stability for all.

"The Mediterranean is a gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa and our cooperation across this region is crucial to the United States' ability to promote stability, prevent and address threats, and support democratic values and human rights. We must build and maintain our strong international partnerships in order to promote safety, security, and prosperity not only for our own nation but for our global community. I am committed to continuing our efforts to foster these connections and work collaboratively with our allies and partners so we can move collectively towards a more peaceful and secure world."