Speaking at a joint news conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Rubio said stronger allies make the United States stronger.
“we want the alliance to be so strong that no one will ever, ever dare test it, no one will ever dare challenge it,” he said, calling rotations of US troops in Europe a normal practice.
Rubio welcomed Fico’s proposal to expand cooperation between Washington and the Visegrad Group (V4)—Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia—into a V4+US format. Slovakia assumes the V4 presidency on July 1.
"We expect every country in the world to act in their national interest. That is what countries are supposed to do," Rubio said. "When our national interests are aligned ... this is an extraordinary opportunity for cooperation and for partnership."
He added: "We’re not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States. We want to be your partner. We want to work with Europe. We want to work with our allies."
Fico said Slovakia seeks a sovereign foreign policy focused on protecting national interests and argued the proposed V4+US format should move forward if partners agree.
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Fico cited a nuclear energy agreement signed with the United States in January, saying Slovakia hopes to sign contracts next year with Westinghouse to build a new 1,200-megawatt nuclear block by 2040.
The Slovak prime minister also raised concerns over oil and gas supplies, saying any halt in Russian oil transit through Ukraine would amount to political pressure.
Rubio is scheduled to discuss energy issues further during a visit to Hungary.
On defense, Fico said Slovakia understands US calls for higher European military spending and acknowledged the need to strengthen national capabilities. He also confirmed Slovakia’s interest in purchasing a total of 18 US-made F-16 fighter jets, including four additional aircraft beyond those already ordered.
Rubio arrived in Bratislava at the invitation of Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and also met President Peter Pellegrini to discuss security, defense and energy cooperation.
After Slovakia, Rubio will travel to Hungary.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, Reuters