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Rubio to visit eastern Europe, bolster ties with pro-Trump leaders
Rubio aims to boost energy, defense, and nuclear cooperation with Slovakia and Hungary, where both nations have maintained Russian gas imports despite U.S. criticism, officials said.
- On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a two-day trip to Slovakia and Hungary to bolster ties after participating in the Munich Security Conference, `These are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us, and it's a good opportunity to go see them and two countries I've never been in,' Rubio told reporters.
- Rubio is seeking to solidify bonds with pro‑Trump leaders in eastern Europe, planning meetings with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Viktor Orban, whom many on the American hard‑right admire, Rubio said.
- The U.S. State Department said Rubio will discuss energy cooperation, NATO commitments and bilateral issues, noting Slovakia signed a U.S. nuclear deal last month with Westinghouse likely building the plant.
- On Monday, Rubio is due to meet Viktor Orban, who is trailing in polls before April's vote, while Hungary and Slovakia diverge from U.S. calls on NATO spending with Hungary planning 2% defence spending this year and President Donald Trump urging 5%.
- Both governments have clashed with European Union institutions over democratic backsliding probes, while Slovakia and Hungary continue buying Russian gas and oil, and Budapest regularly hosts Conservative Political Action Conference events.
145 Articles
145 Articles
The US Secretary of State flew to Slovakia and Hungary after the Munich Security Conference. Driving a wedge into the EU was not the only reason
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Hungary after the Munich Security Conference. The focus is on the energy partnership and the role of Hungary in the EU. "The tone in Rubio's speech was already binding," says Global Reporter Marc Felix Serrao.
The US Secretary of State's visit to Hungary and Slovakia can be seen as a slap in the face to several of the EU's heads of state and government, says DR's correspondent.
Marco Rubio, Hungary PM Orban hold joint press conference as US, Hungary set to sign Nuke pact
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a joint press conference in Budapest as the U.S. and Hungary prepare to sign a civilian nuclear cooperation pact. The agreement aims to boost nuclear energy ties, including U.S. fuel and technology for Hungarian plants. Rubio’s visit underscores deepening transatlantic energy cooperation amid wider regional diplomacy. The announcement comes as Orbán faces a challen
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