US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling in Europe this weekend, focusing on strengthening ties with key allies. According to the State Department public schedule, Rubio is visiting Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary from February 13 to 16, 2026. On Sunday, he met with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava at 11:15 a.m. local time, marking the first such visit by a US Secretary of State in seven years.

France24 reports that Rubio's trip aims to bolster relations with pro-Trump leaders in Slovakia and Hungary, who often clash with the European Union. Discussions centered on energy cooperation, bilateral issues, and NATO commitments. He also met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited President Donald Trump in Florida last month. Slovakia recently agreed with the US on nuclear cooperation, with Fico noting Westinghouse may build a new power plant there.

The trip follows Rubio's major speech on February 14 at the Munich Security Conference. The White House described it as a landmark address reaffirming Trump's America First policy, urging Europe to embrace its Christian heritage, reject mass migration and climate extremism, and build self-reliance. Rubio warned against the fantasy of a world without borders, calling unchecked migration a threat to Western civilization and national sovereignty, as detailed by Fox News.

Atlantic Council experts noted the speech's positive tone, earning a standing ovation, while emphasizing shared challenges like globalization's excesses. US lawmakers and figures like Vice President JD Vance and Senator Lindsey Graham praised it widely, with some calling it historic and Reaganesque.

On Monday, Rubio plans to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally facing polls ahead of April elections. Topics include energy, as both nations buy Russian gas despite US criticism, and NATO spending, where they meet the two percent of GDP minimum but not Trump's higher goal.

Rubio told reporters these nations cooperate closely with the US.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended meetings and briefings at the White House today, according to the United States Department of State public schedule. This comes amid his active role in key diplomatic moves over recent days.

On Wednesday, Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Blair House, where Netanyahu officially signed Israel onto the Board of Peace, the Washington Examiner reports. The international body aims to address global conflicts, with its next meeting set for next week. Netanyahu posed for photos with Rubio formalizing Israel's participation, despite earlier opposition in Israel's parliament over involvement from nations like Turkey and Qatar.

In Latin America, Nicaragua closed its border to Cubans migrating toward the United States this week, as reported by El Pais. The Ortega-Murillo regime ended visa-free travel for Cubans, shifting them to a visa-required category. This follows United States pressure, including State Department visa revocations in November 2025 against Nicaraguan businesspeople aiding irregular migration. Analysts suggest the move aligns with concessions to avoid sanctions from the Trump administration, possibly at Rubio's urging, amid regional shifts after Nicolas Maduro's arrest.

Rubio has also shaped United States Venezuela policy post-military strikes that captured Maduro earlier this year, per the Council on Foreign Relations. In Senate testimony, he outlined a three-phase plan for economic stabilization via oil quarantine and sales oversight, political reconciliation, and transition. He clarified President Trump's statement that the United States would run Venezuela, emphasizing leverage against drug trafficking rather than direct control. Interim authorities now submit budgets to Washington for oil proceeds.

Rubio issued statements marking Sri Lanka National Day on February third and Grenada National Day on February seventh, State Department releases note, highlighting partnerships. He plans to address cooperation on the Middle East, Ukraine, and China soon, Just Security indicates.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to the Munich Security Conference today, leading a large United States delegation amid tense transatlantic relations strained by President Donald Trumps policies. The Associated Press reports that European leaders hope Rubio offers reassurance on issues like Ukraine, the Middle East, and China, following Vice President J D Vances sharp criticisms there last year. State Department officials say Rubio will emphasize cooperation while visiting Slovakia and Hungary afterward.

Today, the State Departments public schedule shows Rubio attending meetings and briefings at the White House. This comes as global pressures mount on Americas top diplomat.

In Latin America, Nicaragua closed its border to Cuban migrants this week, ending visa-free access on a key route to the United States. El Pais attributes this to pressure from the Trump administration, possibly via Rubio, amid Cubas crisis and Nicaraguas concessions after Nicolas Maduros arrest. The regime also released prisoners and fights drug trafficking to dodge sanctions.

On Venezuela, after United States forces captured Maduro earlier this month, Rubio testified before the Senate outlining a three-phase plan. The New York Times details how Washington enforces an oil quarantine, supervises sales, and demands monthly budgets from interim leaders. Rubio met opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, stressing economic stabilization and political reconciliation while prioritizing anti-drug efforts. He clarified Trumps run Venezuela comment as leverage through naval blockades, per ABC News.

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed Israel onto Trumps international Board of Peace during a meeting with Rubio at Blair House, the Washington Examiner notes. This reverses months of skepticism over Turkey and Qatars roles in Gaza reconstruction, ahead of Netanyahu Trump talks on Iran and military aid.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans this week to travel to Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary. The US State Department stated on February 9 that Rubio will attend the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany from February 13 to 15. Following that, he heads to Bratislava on February 15 to meet Slovak government members. There, discussions aim to promote shared regional security interests, strengthen bilateral cooperation on nuclear energy, diversify energy sources, and support Slovakia's military modernization and NATO commitments, according to the State Department release.

Rubio then visits Budapest on February 15 and 16 to meet Hungarian officials. Telex reports he will reaffirm shared bilateral and regional interests, including commitments to peace processes for global conflicts and the US-Hungary energy partnership. France 24 notes this trip follows President Donald Trump's public endorsement of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces polls showing him trailing ahead of April elections. Reuters adds that Rubio will lead a large US delegation to Munich, including over 50 members of Congress, amid transatlantic tensions. Conference chair Wolfgang Ischinger highlighted a crisis of trust but praised the strong US turnout.

On another front, Rubio condemned a Hong Kong court sentencing pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. The US State Department statement quoted Rubio saying the decision is an unjust and tragic conclusion that shows Beijing's extraordinary lengths to silence advocates of fundamental freedoms, violating China's 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration commitments. He urged authorities to grant Lai humanitarian parole after over five years in detention.

Meanwhile, House Foreign Affairs Committee leaders sent Rubio a letter pledging bipartisan support to tighten export controls on chipmaking tools to China. Democrats-foreignaffairs.house.gov reports Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and Chairman Brian Mast urged closer ally cooperation to close gaps, warning China is accelerating imports and upgrading equipment.

Today, Rubio's public schedule includes meetings at the State Department and White House, per State Department updates.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making headlines with upcoming travels and a strong statement on human rights. The State Department announced on February 9 that Rubio will attend the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany from February 13 to 15. He will then visit Bratislava, Slovakia, and Budapest, Hungary, on February 15 and 16. In Slovakia, he plans to meet government members to advance regional security, boost nuclear energy cooperation, diversify energy sources, and support military modernization and NATO commitments, according to the State Department release. In Hungary, Rubio will engage officials on shared bilateral interests, peace processes for global conflicts, and the United States-Hungary energy partnership, as reported by Telex and Mirage News. This trip follows President Donald Trumps endorsement of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, amid Orban's election challenges, per France 24.

On February 9, Rubio issued a sharp press statement condemning the Hong Kong High Courts sentencing of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. The State Department said the verdict shows Beijing will go to extraordinary lengths to silence advocates of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, violating the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration that promised high autonomy. Rubio called the outcome unjust and tragic after Lais two-year trial and over five years in detention, urging humanitarian parole so Lai and his family have suffered enough, according to EWTN News and the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, bipartisan lawmakers led by Senator John Fetterman sent Rubio a letter urging an extension of passport services at nonprofit libraries, set to end February 13 due to a Trump administration decision. They warn of harm to rural communities and library staff without more time for a fix.

Today, Rubio is holding meetings and briefings at the State Department and White House, per the public schedule.

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Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, has been actively shaping American foreign policy across multiple critical international issues in recent days.

In Haiti, Rubio stressed the importance of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime's continued leadership as the country transitions from transitional council rule. Haiti's nine-member transitional presidential council stepped down on Saturday after failing to curb gang violence during its two-year tenure. The U.S. threw its full weight behind Fils-Aime, with the State Department declaring support for his leadership in building a strong and prosperous Haiti. Rubio emphasized the prime minister's role in combating terrorist gangs and stabilizing the island nation, which has seen about 1.4 million people face displacement and acute food insecurity.

On the global stage, Rubio has been navigating tensions surrounding Trump's newly proposed Board of Peace. According to reports from the United Nations, Rubio attempted to ease international concerns by clarifying that the board's current focus is only on the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire plan. However, major world powers including China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom have expressed skepticism about Trump's broader ambitions for the board, with concerns that it could undermine the United Nations Security Council.

Regarding Iran, Rubio has taken a hardline stance in ongoing negotiations. According to reporting on the indirect talks held in Oman on Friday, Rubio set the ceiling for American demands by emphasizing that negotiations must extend well beyond Iran's nuclear program. He has insisted on discussions about ballistic missiles and ending support for what American officials call the Iranian axis. The U.S. has positioned military assets in the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, as leverage in these discussions.

Additionally, Rubio announced visa bans for five European activists and officials accused of pressuring American social media platforms to remove content. According to the State Department, these individuals allegedly led organized efforts to coerce American platforms into censoring viewpoints, with Rubio characterizing them as radical activists working against free speech principles.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Vice President JD Vance in Milan on Thursday to lead the United States delegation at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Washington Examiner reports they met athletes, posed for photos with Team USA, and Vance held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Their joint appearance fuels speculation of a 2028 presidential ticket, with President Donald Trump calling the pair unstoppable, though neither has announced plans.

On nuclear arms control, Rubio published an essay on Substack after the New START treaty expired, urging a new multilateral framework including China and Russia. India Tribune notes he highlighted Chinas nuclear stockpile growth from low 200s to over 600 warheads since 2020, projecting over 1000 by 2030, and rejected deals ignoring violations or harming United States interests. He affirmed maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent while pursuing talks presented in Geneva.

Rubio addressed Europe visa bans for five individuals accused of pushing censorship on American platforms. El Pais details the State Department action against figures like former European Commissioner Thierry Breton for the Digital Services Act and leaders from groups monitoring disinformation, which Rubio labeled organized efforts to suppress United States viewpoints.

On Iran, Rubio insisted nuclear talks in Oman must cover missiles and regional proxies, not just enrichment. KSAT reports Israel wants Irans atomic program scrapped, while Iran International says Tehrans foreign minister demands recognition of domestic uranium enrichment. South China Morning Post mentions related United States accusations of secret Chinese nuclear testing.

Rubio welcomed Panamas high court ruling against Chinese linked ports earlier, per South China Morning Post.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading key diplomatic efforts this week to secure American interests in critical minerals and global security. The State Department announced that Rubio joined Vice President JD Vance on a trip to Italy from February 4 to 7, 2026, focusing on strengthening alliances. State Department public schedule reports this travel as a high priority.

In Washington on February 4, Rubio hosted the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, welcoming delegations from over 50 nations including South Korea, India, Japan, Germany, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. KTXS news reports Rubio met with foreign ministers from South Korea and India on Tuesday to discuss diversifying supply chains for minerals vital to smartphones, electric vehicles, jet engines, and defense systems. The Los Angeles Times details how Rubio opened the event in the Loy Henderson Conference Room, emphasizing collective action against supply disruptions. Vice President Vance unveiled plans for a critical minerals trading bloc with price floors enforced by tariffs to counter Chinas dominance, which controls 70 percent of rare earth mining and 90 percent of processing. The Journal Record notes 55 countries attended, with Rubio stating these minerals have become a tool of geopolitical leverage.

This builds on Project Vault, a 12 billion dollar US strategic reserve announced earlier, backed by Export Import Bank loans and private investment. The State Department released Rubios opening remarks welcoming participants and a joint press statement with the European Commission and Japan on February 5. Rubio also met Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss mining progress, per State Department readout.

On Ukraine Russia talks, Rubio commented on trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi, noting updates would be limited until breakthroughs occur. Institute for the Study of War reports Rubio highlighted challenging unresolved issues amid Russias rejection of Western security guarantees.

These moves signal Rubios focus on economic security and alliances amid tensions with China.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues to shape US foreign policy across multiple critical fronts as we move through early February 2026. His recent actions demonstrate an aggressive approach to regional stability and economic pressure on adversarial regimes.

On January 29, Rubio played a central role in President Trump's executive order targeting Cuba's oil supply. The order authorizes tariffs on goods from any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba, marking a significant escalation in decades of US efforts to pressure the communist government. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will identify which nations are supplying Cuba with oil, while Rubio will determine the tariff levels to impose. Speaking before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations just the day before, Rubio openly acknowledged the administration's desire for regime change in Cuba, noting this is a precondition to lifting the long-standing embargo.

The Cuba policy directly connects to broader Latin American strategy. Rubio testified that Venezuela's removal of Nicolas Maduro has created an energy crisis for Cuba, which previously relied on Venezuelan oil. The Trump administration has been exploring various approaches to Venezuelan oil revenue, with Rubio explaining in his testimony how initial oil sales were handled as a temporary measure to prevent Venezuela's oil production capacity from shutting down entirely.

Beyond the Americas, Rubio's diplomatic calendar remains packed with international engagement. He is scheduled to meet with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar through February 4, amid ongoing trade tensions following the US imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. On February 4, Rubio will host the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial Summit, bringing senior officials from dozens of countries to Washington to discuss strengthening US supply chains and secure commitments to a Framework Agreement on Cooperation on Critical Minerals Sourcing and Processing.

Meanwhile, US Special Representative Steve Witkoff has been conducting separate diplomatic efforts on Ukraine negotiations. After meeting with Russian Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev in Miami, the second round of peace talks was postponed from early February to later in the week. Secretary of State Rubio announced that Witkoff and Jared Kushner would not participate in the upcoming negotiations round in the United Arab Emirates, signaling potential internal disagreements within the Trump administration's negotiating team.

Rubio's tenure so far reflects a hardline approach to US adversaries while simultaneously engaging in complex diplomatic negotiations on multiple continents. His role bridges economic sanctions policy with traditional diplomacy, positioning the State Department as central to Trump administration strategies in Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been at the center of several key diplomatic developments in the past few days. On January 28, 2026, Rubio testified before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations about the Trump administrations policy on Venezuela. There, he openly stated the desire for regime change in Cuba, calling it a precondition to lifting the long-standing embargo under the Helms-Burton Act, according to Holland and Knight reports. The next day, on January 29, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, directing Rubio and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to identify nations involved and impose tariffs if needed. Trump described Cuba as a failed nation unlikely to survive without such support, as noted by the Caribbean Council.

Rubio is also involved in Ukraine peace efforts. He announced that United States Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will not participate in the next round of talks in the United Arab Emirates, postponed to February 3 and 4 after meetings in Miami with Russias Kirill Dmitriev, per YouTube news analysis from recent discussions.

On the economic front, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Rubio during his United States visit through February 4, amid ongoing talks between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a 50 percent tariff on India, as reported by DD News.

Looking ahead, Rubio will host the State Departments inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial Summit on February 4 in Washington, D.C., bringing together senior officials from dozens of countries to sign a framework on sourcing and processing, according to Clark Hill insights. These moves highlight Rubios firm stance on Latin America, energy security, and global partnerships.

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