Rubio will lead the U.S. delegation, which includes more than 50 members of Congress. His visit is scheduled to continue through Feb. 15 before traveling to Slovakia and Hungary for bilateral talks on energy and NATO.
Speaking before departing Washington, Rubio noted the United States remains “very closely connected to Europe,” but emphasized that “we live in a new geopolitical era” requiring a reassessment of global dynamics.
According to the State Department, Rubio’s focus in Munich will include cooperation on shared global challenges such as the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and issues involving China.
Last year’s U.S. delegation to the conference was led by Vice President J.D. Vance, who delivered a high-profile and controversial speech.
This year’s conference will center on shifts in the global order, transatlantic tensions, the conflict with Iran, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski are also expected to attend.
On Saturday, the annual Ewald von Kleist Award will be presented to the Ukrainian people for their “courage, sacrifice, and steadfast determination to defend their freedom and that of Europe.” Zelensky is expected to accept the award, with Prime Minister Tusk delivering the tribute.
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Source: PAP