Updated
November 26, 2025
Published
March 04, 2024
The U.S. Chamber is unmatched in its advocacy efforts on the international stage.
Each year, we host dozens of heads of state and senior officials from around the world at our historic headquarters in Washington, D.C. We also represent the American business community at multilateral gatherings, including the Munich Security Conference, the United Nations General Assembly, APEC, and COP.
As the voice of American business for more than 113 years, world leaders know that when they want to discuss investment, innovation, trade, and economic growth they need to meet with the U.S. Chamber.
The International Affairs Division champions the interests of American businesses abroad and helps companies navigate geopolitical risks. We help government leaders understand the needs of business and support smart policymaking. And we help companies deal with legislation and regulations impacting their business. Our proactive stance ensures that American businesses are well-represented in critical discussions and negotiations, from combating discriminatory regulations to influencing trade policies.
Here are world leaders who have met with the U.S. Chamber in the past two years.
November

The U.S. Chamber welcomed European Parliament President Roberta Metsola back to Washington on November 21 for a roundtable discussion with business leaders from the agriculture, manufacturing, energy, finance, and technology sectors. The discussion focused on Europe’s efforts to simplify regulations and expand opportunities for investment and growth. The dialogue build on her previous visit to the chamber and underscored collective commitment to advancing a more dynamic, business-friendly transatlantic environment.

On November 12, the U.S. Chamber hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani for a roundtable with over 30 U.S. business leaders. The discussion highlighted opportunities for American companies in Syria across energy, technology, finance, infrastructure, and logistics. The visit concluded on a lighter note when President al-Sharaa was gifted a Washington Wizards basketball by Steve Lutes, VP of Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber, who invited him to “play ball” with the U.S. business community—a nod to his viral hoops video with the CENTCOM commander.
On November 20, the U.S. Chamber marked the start of the United States’ B20 presidency as President and CEO Suzanne Clark accepted the B20 Talking Stick during the official handover ceremony. The transition signals the beginning of a new leadership cycle in which the Chamber will help guide private-sector input on global trade, innovation, and economic growth across G20 economies. As the U.S. assumes this role, the Chamber will continue working closely with international partners and business leaders to advance practical, business-driven solutions to shared global challenges.
October

The U.S. Chamber hosted H.E. Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, for a private discussion on how American businesses can support Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic revitalization. The October 15 meeting focused on advancing the U.S. Chamber’s Ukraine Business Initiative, identifying strategic areas for U.S.-Ukraine collaboration, and exploring opportunities for private-sector engagement in rebuilding Ukraine’s economy.
On October 21, the U.S. Chamber welcomed virtual remarks from President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader during the Future of the Americas Conference. Speaking to business and government leaders from across the hemisphere, President Abinader emphasized the importance of a strong private sector in advancing prosperity and unity in the Americas. He outlined a people-centered approach to security, including food, energy, water, and digital access, and called for a future rooted in dignity, opportunity, and mutual respect.
On October 28, the U.S. Chamber welcomed President of Mozambique Daniel Francisco Chapo for a roundtable with U.S. business leaders, held in partnership with AmCham Mozambique. In celebration of Mozambique’s 50 years of independence and growing U.S.-Mozambique ties, President Chapo emphasized the country’s strategic position in southern Africa and its potential across energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism. He highlighted ongoing reforms to improve the business climate and attract foreign investment, reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a rising regional economic partner.
September

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top business and government leaders for a roundtable discussion on the newly established U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund. The group discussed fostering private-sector partnerships essential to Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term economic resilience.
RELATED:U.S. Chamber at UN General Assembly
September 25

The Chamber hosted Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD to kick off the 2025 Transatlantic Business Works Speaker Series at U.S. Chamber headquarters in Washington, DC.
The Tánaiste spoke about the deep ties that bind together the United States and Ireland and improve lives globally. “The transatlantic partnership has, for decades, been a force for good," he said. "We must continue to invest in it, and we should never take it for granted. When the partnership works, prosperity follows.”

September 24
The U.S. Chamber hosted Ghanaian President John Mahama for a wide-ranging discussion of energy, health, mining, technology, and agricultural opportunities in the fast-growing West African country. The roundtable highlighted efforts to deepen U.S. commercial engagement in Ghana, which Mahama declared to be “open for business” during his recent successful re-election campaign. U.S. Chamber members discussed investment plans and efforts to remove tariffs, including through renewal of the soon-to-expire African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the emerging African Continental Free Trade Agreement, for which Accra, Ghana, serves as the secretariat’s headquarters.

September 24
The U.S. Chamber hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a dialogue, where he welcomed the U.S. Chamber’s commitment to launch an annual U.S.-South Africa Trade and Investment Forum with partners Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and AmCham South Africa in 2026.
September 23
The U.S. Chamber co-hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang alongside a select group of CEOs and think tank leaders. U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark joined participants who emphasized the need for level playing fields and expanded market access for American goods in China.

On September 22, the U.S. Chamber hosted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan for meetings and a public-private sector roundtable. U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark reiterated the U.S. Chamber’s “ironclad” support for granting Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations and together with the Prime Minister discussed his government's efforts to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy to utilize the full extent of its energy resources and critical minerals.

The U.S. Chamber hosted Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, for a conversation on how American companies can play an important role in facilitating Bhutan’s ongoing socio-economic transformation. The September 22 discussion focused on identifying areas of U.S.-Bhutan collaboration, sharing best practices from other markets, and highlighting opportunities for investment.

On September 22, the U.S. Chamber hosted Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria, and Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, for a roundtable discussion with U.S. business leaders to explore how American companies can engage on projects and investment opportunities and establish new partnerships to help Syria rebuild and revitalize its economy.
July

U.S. Chamber Board Chair Ross Perot Jr. and our U.S.-Bahrain Business Council welcomed the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, back to the U.S. Chamber to meet with top U.S. executives and explore deepening our countries’ bilateral trade and investment relationship. At the event with the Crown Prince, several agreements and investment deals worth $17 billion were announced, covering key industries such as aviation, technology, manufacturing, and financial services.

On July 10, the Chamber welcomed President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who met with leaders in U.S. business and government. Describing Mauritania as a gateway economy connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, anchored by political stability and an investor-friendly legal framework, President Ghazouani highlighted opportunities for U.S. firms in fisheries, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and tourism. President Ghazouani also touted pro-business reforms, including customs and tax incentives, as well as positive treatment of foreign investors, which have strengthened the country’s appeal as a regional trade and energy hub.

At the U.S. Chamber, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye spoke about Senegal’s Vision 2050, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to bold, business-friendly reforms. Key initiatives include modernizing the investment code, streamlining customs procedures, and strengthening regulatory clarity to facilitate greater foreign direct investment. Discussions explored opportunities in Senegal’s energy, agriculture, critical minerals, and digital sectors, with a strong focus on youth engagement and workforce development.

On July 8, the Chamber hosted President Embaló of Guinea-Bissau for an executive business roundtable to discuss investment opportunities for U.S. companies in the resource-rich West African nation. Embaló highlighted opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in the country's opportunities in infrastructure, mining, and critical minerals processing capacity.

The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center met with the President of Liberia, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who detailed his national development plan, or his ambitious “ARREST” Agenda, which seeks to transform Liberia’s economy through an emphasis on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. This strategy aims to modernize infrastructure, strengthen governance, and enhance human capital to attract private sector investment. The conversation focused on critical mineral exploration, agricultural modernization, and logistics infrastructure, with President Boakai calling for U.S. expertise in conducting geological surveys to unlock the full scale of Liberia’s mineral wealth.

On July 8, the Chamber hosted a commercial dialogue with the recently elected President of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema. This was Oligui Nguema’s second visit to the Chamber in a year, and provided an opportunity to take stock of the work the Chamber has done in partnership with the government to promote commercial partnerships. Oligui Nguema declared that the Gabonese Republic is open for business and touted opportunities to partner in the country’s sustainable agriculture, mining, and ICT industries.
May

In May, Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark and John Christmann, Chairman of the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Egypt Business Council and the CEO of Apache Corporation, led a U.S. business delegation to Cairo for the U.S.-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum. While in Cairo, Clark met with President El-Sisi and highlighted the strong, longstanding economic relationship between Egypt and the U.S., emphasizing the success of American companies operating in Egypt and a desire in both countries to grow our investment and innovation partnerships.

In May, the U.S. Chamber hosted Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who presided over the signing of two significant energy agreements. Signed between the KRG and energy companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros, the agreements—valued at tens of billions of dollars— will advance the development of the Region’s oil and gas sector and mark a major step forward in expanding energy cooperation and investment in the Kurdistan Region.
April

The Chamber was honored to host H.E. Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, for an exclusive member roundtable as part of our Ukraine Business Initiative. This was the Prime Minister’s third visit to the Chamber, and executives engaged in a candid exchange about both opportunities and challenges as Kyiv strives to deepen partnerships with the American business community. The Chamber remains committed to advocating for policies that facilitate members’ engagement in Ukraine’s economic future.

In April, the U.S. Chamber organized and led our largest business delegation ever to Iraq, where CEOs and business leaders met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’a Al-Sudani and key Ministers. The delegation heard firsthand from the Prime Minister on his government’s ongoing business-friendly reforms. Prime Minister Al-Sudani also oversaw the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding between U.S. companies and the Iraqi Ministries of Electricity and Oil, the Iraq Development Fund, as well as signings between U.S. and Iraqi businesses in the energy and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries and between the U.S. Chamber and the Iraqi Federation of Chambers of Commerce.
March

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark welcomed Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to the Chamber for the premier’s annual engagement with the American business community during his St. Patrick’s Week visit to Washington. "The Irish-U.S. trade relationship is enormous," Taoiseach Martin said. "We have up to 900 U.S. companies in Ireland. U.S. companies contribute 200,000 jobs, and we’ve got about 770 Irish companies in the States creating over 150,000 jobs."
November 2024

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined with the National Center for APEC and other business groups in arranging sideline meetings with leaders and trade ministers on the sidelines of the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru. One highlight was meeting with Lương Cường, President of Vietnam. Since the normalization of relations nearly 30 years ago, President Cường acknowledged that the U.S. and Vietnam have had a strategic partnership based on mutual understanding, with vast room for growth for the U.S. private sector in areas like digitalization and renewable energy.

On the sidelines of the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, the Chamber met with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. The meeting with Prime Minister Shinawatra highlighted the U.S.-Thai bilateral relationship, which has fostered significant investments and job creation in both nations. The Prime Minister, who has a background in the private sector herself, is committed to streamlining bureaucracy, supporting Thailand's pro-trade agenda, and conversing with the U.S. business community.
October 2024

U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark met with Mexico’s newly inaugurated President Claudia Sheinbaum and key members of her Cabinet, marking the first private sector group meeting with President Sheinbaum and her new government. “The U.S. has no more important economic partner than Mexico," Clark said. "We are each other’s largest trading partners, exchanging nearly $900 billion in goods and services annually.”

The Chamber hosted the Transitional President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, for a business roundtable and the formal signing of six Memorandums of Understanding between U.S. companies and the Gabonese government designed to increase bilateral investment and trade. President Oligui Nguema expressed his dedication to “improving our cooperation on the basis of a win-win structure.” He declared, “My ambition to transform Gabon and its socio-economic climate is based on market access."
September 2024
The U.S. Chamber was on the ground in New York, hosting two dozen events, bilateral meetings, roundtables, and more on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly — including 11 direct engagements with heads of state or government.
These meetings presented the opportunity to discuss priority issues between the business community and world leaders and demonstrate how American business is at the heart of solving some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.

The Chamber hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a public-private sector roundtable focused on meeting Ukraine’s immediate energy needs and ensuring Ukraine’s long-term energy security. The roundtable built on U.S. Chamber efforts to realize a peaceful, prosperous Ukraine through the Ukraine Business Initiative.

Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark, along with the Chamber’s U.S.-Türkiye Business Council, led by Chairman Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and top Ministers about Türkiye’s economic reforms, positive developments in the U.S.-Türkiye relationship, and ongoing projects in finance, defense, aviation, manufacturing, energy, climate, and digital transformation.

The Chamber's U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC) hosted the Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima for a business roundtable focused on economic and regulatory strategies bolstering U.S.-Nigeria commercial ties and showcasing the formal launch of the Chamber’s new U.S.-Nigeria Business Initiative.

The Chamber co-hosted a business roundtable and dialogue with the President of Vietnam, To Lam. He emphasized Vietnam’s desire to attract American investment and promote greater innovation in Vietnam’s economy.

The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Colombia Business Council hosted a roundtable discussion with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro. President Petro highlighted opportunities for Colombia to grow its bioeconomy and stressed the importance of a transition from fossil fuel towards clean energy sources.

The Chamber’s U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council hosted an industry roundtable with H.E. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The roundtable featured over forty executives representing many American and Bangladeshi companies spanning sectors including energy, aerospace, apparel, banking & financial services, consumer goods, digital economy, and logistics.
July 2024

The NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum brought many government and business leaders to the Chamber, where they gathered to seek solutions to a safer world. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the event. "There is no way to provide strong defense without a strong defense industry. This industry is key to ensuring we have the ingenuity to maintain our technological edge to defend our alliance," Stoltenberg said.
May 2024

Kenya President William Ruto joined the U.S. Chamber during his historic State Visit to participate in the U.S.-Kenya Business Forum. “Kenya works, and we mean business,” said President Ruto. “When it comes to investment, we are ready for you. Let's bring your vision to reality. And let us build Kenya together with your companies.”

The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC) met in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for high-level dialogues with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, as well as senior members of the Bangladesh government and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. Prime Minister Hasina noted USBBC’s role in advancing U.S.-Bangladesh trade and investment and called on the Council and business representatives to explore further opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber's South Asia program made its first official commercial mission to Nepal, marking the first business delegation to the Himalayan nation. During the visit, Amb. (ret.) Atul Keshap, Senior Vice President for South Asia, and Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, Chairman of the recently accredited American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal), met with Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" to discuss strengthening U.S.-Nepali business and investment ties.
April 2024

Evan Greenberg, U.S.-Korea Business Council (USKBC) Chairman, concluded a successful visit to Seoul, South Korea, accompanied by the U.S. Chamber’s Senior Vice President for Asia Charles Freeman, and USKBC Executive Director Esperanza Jelalian. The delegation met with Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg, and others, focused on expanding the U.S.’ deep commercial ties with Korea.
During the 2024 U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum at the Chamber, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Chamber leaders and spoke about the nation’s ongoing recovery efforts, including a comprehensive reconstruction strategy. Shmyhal also highlighted legislative reforms and international support and cooperation, particularly with the U.S., as key elements in creating a conducive environment for investment and rebuilding. “Together, we may build a better future in Ukraine after our mutual victory,” said Shmyhal.

The Chamber’s U.S.-Iraq Business Council hosted Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and over 50 private sector executives for a roundtable discussion and the signing of 19 Memos of Understanding. Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s desire to attract U.S. companies to participate in Iraq’s growing economy, touting the comprehensive economic reforms initiated by the Iraqi government in the last 18 months.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines visited the Chamber for a business forum. He emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines and the key role of business in deepening bilateral ties.
The Chamber’s headquarters was abuzz with reporters, business executives, and government officials as Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the Chamber his first stop in his visit to Washington, D.C. Discussions covered foreign direct investment, energy, and more.
March 2024

The Chamber hosted First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Fein, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the Democratic Unionist Party. The Ministers discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Northern Ireland, strengthening the transatlantic ties and their country’s unique trade benefits, which grant Northern Ireland access to both the UK and the EU markets.

Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa visited the Chamber for a conversation on the role American companies play in supporting Latvia’s growth and prosperity. The Chamber lauded Latvia’s firm support for Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening NATO and transatlantic security.
February 2024

President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark led a delegation to Beijing in February to have candid conversations with senior Chinese government and business leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, regarding the commercial opportunities and challenges between the U.S. and China.

President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chamber where they discussed the transatlantic alliance, investment and trade ties between the U.S. and Germany, and the need to face global challenges shoulder-to-shoulder, including support for Ukraine.
About the author

Sean Hackbarth
Sean writes about public policies affecting businesses including energy, health care, and regulations. When not battling those making it harder for free enterprise to succeed, he raves about all things Wisconsin (his home state) and religiously follows the Green Bay Packers.




