U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio firmly rejected claims that the United States is moving toward division in its international relationships. “The United States seeks a revitalization of the transatlantic relationship,” he stated during the Munich Security Conference.
“We want Europe to be strong and to endure,” the politician emphasized. He explained that President Donald Trump’s blunt tone is intended to energize and renew relations with Europe.
“While newspaper headlines are announcing the end of the transatlantic era, let it be clear to everyone that this is neither our goal nor our desire,” Rubio said, referring to America as “the child of Europe” and Europeans as “friends.” He also spoke critically about deindustrialization and called for stronger border protection against mass immigration.
Responding to questions from MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, Rubio stressed that the United States would continue to do everything possible to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, Washington does not know whether the Kremlin is genuinely interested in doing so.
The politician acknowledged that the positions of the warring sides have moved closer together, but have now reached the stage where the most difficult issues are being discussed. He announced that further meetings on the matter would take place on Tuesday.
In a Saturday interview with Bloomberg, the U.S. Secretary of State also stated that he does not believe Russia, which, according to his remarks, is losing approximately 7,000-8,000 soldiers per week, is capable of achieving the war aims it had at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine.
Regarding China policy, he emphasized the need to break the West’s dependence on critical raw materials and called for the creation of a Western supply chain free from coercion.
The U.S. Secretary of State also added that President Trump would prefer to reach an agreement with Iran, although this would be very difficult.
Rubio’s speech was received with considerable satisfaction and relief by those gathered at the Bayerischer Hof hotel and was repeatedly interrupted by applause. At the conclusion, the Secretary of State received a standing ovation from the audience.