Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on the sidelines of the NATO Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting in Antalya, Türkiye, today, with the Transatlantic Quint Foreign Ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The meeting provided an opportunity for Secretary Rubio to brief the ministers on President Trump’s efforts to halt the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The discussion centered around the importance of European leadership in facilitating a peaceful resolution between Russia and Ukraine. Secretary Rubio emphasized that increased NATO burden-sharing and European defense spending are crucial for achieving this goal. He also stressed the significance of U.S. defense companies being integral to the transatlantic industrial base, ensuring they remain a vital part of Europe's rearmament efforts.
In addition to security concerns, the leaders discussed shared priorities including countering Iran's nuclear ambitions and mitigating China's influence in the region. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to giving Syria a chance at greatness, highlighting the need for a durable peace settlement.
The meeting marked an important step in strengthening transatlantic ties and reinforcing the alliance's commitment to addressing common security challenges. As NATO continues to adapt to emerging threats, the involvement of key foreign ministers like Secretary Rubio ensures that the organization remains proactive in its efforts to maintain global stability.