2020 was an extraordinary year, unlike any other in the history of the California Legislature. The coronavirus pandemic drastically changed normal legislative operations, including those of our office.  For almost ten months of the year, travel restrictions and public health imperatives necessitated the complete shutdown of in-person international visits to the Senate and the Capitol. After a period of transition following the initial closures however, virtual meetings were organized between Senators and Senate staff and a variety of international visitors.

Below you will find a few highlights from before the global pandemic shut-down.

In the 2020 International Visitors Summany link above, you will find a list of visitors, sorted by country and subject matter, for whom the Senate Office of International Relations was able to organize virtual meetings.

February 11, 2020

Senator Susan Rubio meeting with Her Excellency Shiraishi Kazuko, Ambassador Emeritus of Japan, visiting as part of the "Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan" program sponsored by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. 

January 28, 2020

Ms. Dina Dominitz, Senior Director of the Legal Department of the Ministry of the Interior of Israel, meeting with Senator Henry Stern to talk about combatting human trafficking.

January 23, 2020

The Honorable Orla Keane, Consul General of Ireland in Los Angeles, being introduced on the Senate floor by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson.

January 15, 2020

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins pictured with the Honorable Masaji Matsuyama, Chair of the Japan-California Parliamentary Friendship League, during the annual visit of members of the National Diet of Japan.