The U.S. secretary of state has completed his trip to Slovakia and is already on the ground in Budapest to meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Hungary.
Following Rubio’s meeting with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, the two countries confirmed continued collaboration to reduce dependence on Russian energy. Fico also told press that Slovakia hopes to sign a contract with U.S. firm Westinghouse to lead a consortium for a new nuclear power plant in Slovakia by 2040.
Rubio and Fico also discussed the delivery of U.S. military equipment, with confirmation that the final four of 14 F-16 fighter jets ordered by Slovakia will be delivered by the end of 2026. Additional orders may also be on the way. Such purchases would be part of Fico’s commitment to raising Slovakia’s defense spending to the 2 percent of GDP threshold. Strengthening military capabilities is a key concern for the U.S., and the country welcomes its allies purchasing American-made weapons and defense equipment.
“We’re very happy that the F-16 program is your program of choice,” Rubio said at the press conference.
Fico was a vocal critic of the U.S. removal of Maduro in Venezuela, but Rubio championed their mutual interests and advocated for an even stronger partnership going forward.
Rubio also touched on cooperation with the Visegrad Four, the countries of Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Czechia. “Mr. Prime Minister, you mentioned that the Visegrad Group, the V4. It is something we are eager to engage with as a forum in which we can find areas where we can work together and achieve cooperation.”
However, the U.S. state secretary broadened his comments to include what he hopes to be deeper cooperation for the benefit of all of Europe and the world. “We believe that within the area of common alignment there are so many things we can work on together that are good for your country, good for our country, but frankly good for Europe and good for the world,” Rubio stated.
Rubio is set to speak with Orbán this morning, while the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is expected to be in D.C. next week for the inaugural meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace.
