Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Italy, Tunisia, and Morocco. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen alliances, promote regional resilience, and reinforce the United States’ engagement in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
The delegation included Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York’s 15th District, Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and Congressman Andrew Garbarino of New York’s 2nd District.
In Naples, Italy, members visited the U.S. Naval Forces Europe headquarters for discussions on security challenges in the Mediterranean and North Africa. They also met with service members from New York stationed in Naples to express their appreciation for their service. In Rome, they held talks with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City.
During their stop in Tunisia, the group met with Defense Minister Imed Memmich and Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Nafti. Talks focused on terrorism threats, border control measures, and concerns about foreign influence in the region. Lawler and Torres participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis to honor American soldiers who died during World War II.
In Morocco, meetings were held with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Minister Delegate Abdeltif Loudyi. The discussions aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation between Morocco and the United States as well as reaffirm support for the Abraham Accords. The delegation also discussed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan as a possible solution for regional stability.
“From bolstering counterterrorism cooperation with our allies, to pushing back against authoritarian influence, to advancing the promise of the Abraham Accords, our delegation reaffirmed America’s commitment to fortifying partnerships in this critical region,” said Chairman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I will continue working to ensure U.S. leadership remains strong and bipartisan in the Middle East and North Africa.”
“These opportunities are a distinct privilege, and they serve as an important reminder that the safety of our allies abroad directly affects the well-being and prosperity of families here at home. Whether it’s safeguarding trade routes, combating terrorism, or ensuring our service members have the resources they need, this work elevates America’s role in the world,” concluded Chairman Lawler.
Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City—which includes Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties—and has been recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members.
