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555 WORDS | 4.3 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I’m checking in to share updates from my second trip representing American interests abroad as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee! Read on for more on all of that below:
Congressional Delegation to Israel, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia
Last week, I travelled to Israel, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia as a part of a Congressional Delegation with Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, and Victoria Spartz (R-IN). During our time in Israel, we had candid and productive meetings with leaders about maintaining a strong, bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship. We also discussed our robust commitment to our shared interests, including countering Iranian malign behavior, Israeli-Saudi normalization, strengthening the Abraham Accords, and artificial intelligence.
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| Gratitude to Israeli leadership for meeting with our delegation. |
These conversations reaffirmed the importance of Israel’s existence as both a Jewish and democratic state. I continue to believe that any further judicial reform efforts must only move forward under the auspices of a national dialogue with broad consensus from the Israeli public. Further, I am more committed than ever to working towards a sustainable two-state solution – one that allows Israel and a demilitarized, democratic Palestinian state to live side by side in peace, security, and prosperity. I know this will be difficult work, but it is also necessary work. The U.S. must remain engaged in it.
Our group then travelled to Türkiye where we met with senior government officials to discuss their country’s essential responsibilities in NATO, including supporting Sweden’s accession, and their pivotal role in the potential revival of the Black Sea grain deal – an initiative which was implemented to help combat the global food crisis. We also discussed human rights, the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and met with AmCham Türkiye on ways to promote private sector partnerships.
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| We travelled to Ankara - the capital of Türkiye – where we paid our respects to the country by participating in an official wreath laying ceremony at Ataturk's Tomb. |
Finally, we travelled to Saudi Arabia where we visited the Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), an active United States Air Force Air Expeditionary Base operating in Saudi Arabia and assigned to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command. During our visit, we met with senior base leadership from the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, and I had the special opportunity to talk with a group of extraordinary servicemembers from Minnesota! (pictured below).
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| Visiting Soldiers and Airmen deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base was an incredible experience, and I commend this group for their service and sacrifice. |
As Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I was thrilled to meet with the U.S. Business Council during my time in Saudi Arabia. We discussed strengthening private sector partnerships and ways we can work together to support business owners in both of our countries. I left motivated by some extraordinary ideas, and I look forward to the continued collaboration between our groups.
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| It was great to meet with the U.S. Business Council in Saudi Arabia. To more partnership ahead! |
It was an eye-opening trip filled with new experiences, incredible history, and necessary conversations. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring what we learned back to Washington and act on these important, global issues.
Keep the faith, and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
 Resources For You
My team and I are here to serve every person and every corner of our community. I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed:
- Donuts with Dean: Welcoming Minnesotans to Washington is one of my favorite parts of this job. We'd love the opportunity share some conversation, and donuts, next time you’re in town! To reserve your spot at an upcoming event, please complete this form, including all attendee information and the date of your preferred session.
- Energy Savings Hub: The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access tools to cut energy costs through rebates and energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list of green tax credits and other rebates.
- Look before you book: Do you have international travel plans on the horizon? Make sure you are prepared before you book! Visit https://travel.state.gov/ to check your passport expiration date, apply for a passport, and much more.
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