BUDAPEST: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed to deepen cooperation with central Europe on Sunday (Feb 15) as he kicked off a visit to Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders have warm ties with President Donald Trump.
In Slovakia, which, like Hungary, depends on Russian oil and fuel and has uneasy relations with the remainder of the European Union, Rubio mentioned power and defence with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini.
It was the primary go to in seven years by a US secretary of state to the nation of 5.5 million people who borders Ukraine.
“Beneath President Trump, this administration goes to make not simply Slovakia however central Europe a key part of how we have interaction the continent and the world,” Rubio stated.
“We’re not simply going to have interaction in conferences and pleasantries, however in concrete actions that we are going to take collectively in methods which can be helpful to your individuals and our individuals.”
“OPPORTUNITY FOR COOPERATION”
On Saturday, Rubio, who can also be Trump’s nationwide safety adviser, delivered a message of unity on the Munich Safety Convention whereas sustaining the administration’s criticism of Europe following a scarring yr for Transatlantic ties.
Trump’s criticism of Europe, imposition of tariffs on EU international locations and his ambition to amass Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark have prompted Western European leaders to more and more take a look at carving an impartial path.
“We count on each nation on this planet to behave of their nationwide curiosity. That’s what international locations are speculated to do,” Rubio stated. “When our nationwide pursuits are aligned … that is a rare alternative for cooperation and partnership.”
Fico, who has stated the European Union is in “deep disaster”, visited Trump final month in Florida and showered the Republican president with reward, saying he would carry peace.
Each Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom Rubio will meet on Monday within the second leg of his journey, have been accused by EU establishments of weakening the judiciary, media and anti-corruption enforcement.
They’ve additionally maintained ties with Moscow, criticised and at occasions delayed the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia and opposed sending army support to Ukraine.
