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Shaheen, Risch on Bipartisan Efforts at Munich Security Conference

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and  Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statements after their trip to the Munich Security Conference.

“It was an honor to attend the Munich Security Conference with Chairman Risch,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “Throughout the conference, we engaged with foreign leaders and allies from Europe, including many NATO allies, as well as South Korea, to discuss global challenges and find common ground. I also had the opportunity to join a bipartisan panel with President Zelenskyy to discuss the critical importance of the U.S.—and Europe—continuing to stand with Ukraine. It was a productive weekend of important conversations about our shared values with our allies and how we can continue strengthening alliances.”

“After attending the 2025 Munich Security Conference and speaking with our partners from around the world, I feel more confident in our shared commitment to global security. Still, more needs to be done by our European allies to address military, hybrid and influence threats alike. In the face of attacks from our adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran, we must all double down on our commitment to collective defense and recognize what it is going to take to build militaries and economies that are strong enough to withstand the defining challenges of this century. I look forward to continued work with Senator Shaheen on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and leaders across the world as we work to make the world a safer place,” said Chairman Risch.

During the Munich Security Conference, the chairman and ranking member attended the following meetings together on a bipartisan basis. They discussed U.S. cooperation with allies and ways the U.S. can strengthen those alliances to advance strategic interests and counter mutual adversaries.

  • David Lammy – UK Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom
  • Jens Stoltenberg – Chair-Designate of Munich Security Conference
  • Olaf Scholz – Chancellor of Germany
  • Mark Rutte – Secretary General of NATO
  • Emil Hurezeanu – Foreign Minister of Romania
  • Kaja Kallas – High Representative/Vice President for Foreign Affairs of the EU
  • Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya – Leader of the Democratic Opposition of Belarus
  • Mette Frederiksen – Prime Minister of Denmark
  • Vjosa Osmani – President of Kosovo
  • Denis Becirovic – Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Asaad al-Shibani – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Transitional Government
  • Friedrich Merz – Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany
  • Alexander Stubb – President of Finland

                                                                                

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