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February 7 - February 13

Secretary Rubio will travel to Germany to participate in the Munich Security Conference and G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He will then travel to the Middle East. 

Here’s what happened at State this past week. ⤵️

• The Trump Administration secured the release of detainees from custody in Russia and Belarus.
• Secretary Rubio visited U.S. Southern Command as he concluded his visit to the Western Hemisphere, where he secured commitments advancing U.S. interests.
• Secretary Rubio outlined how American leadership is back in an opinion piece on FOX News.

Promises Made, Promises Kept: U.S. Detainees Released from Russia and Belarus

After three and a half years of detention in Russia, American teacher Marc Fogel returned to his family in the United States on February 11. Secretary Rubio credited President Trump’s strong leadership for Fogel’s release, and for the release on February 12 of another American unjustly detained in Belarus. Belarus also released two political prisoners. 

The Trump Administration is following through on commitments to return detained Americans home where they belong. Secretary Rubio thanked teams across the Department of State for the hard work that went into securing these releases, and called for the release of nearly 1,300 political prisoners who remain in jail across Belarus. 

On NewsNation with Chris Cuomo, Secretary Rubio and Adam Boehler highlighted the Administration’s commitment to bringing Americans home from horrific Hamas captivity.

Secretary Rubio Visits SOUTHCOM, Concluding His First Trip As Secretary of State

Secretary Rubio visited U.S. Southern Command in Florida on February 7, discussing regional priorities and security with command leaders. The visit took place as he closed out his first official trip abroad, where he secured commitments to advance U.S. security and economic interests.

“President Trump’s America First policy means looking at our own region. Our joint effort of focused diplomacy and military excellence makes America safer and stronger,” Secretary Rubio said on X.

America First, Not America Alone

Secretary Rubio outlined how the Trump Administration has made clear that American leadership is back in an opinion piece on FOX News.

“Our America First foreign policy under President Trump’s leadership is paying off. Nations in our hemisphere and beyond now know: America First does not mean America Alone,” the Secretary said on X.

News You May Have Missed

• Vice President Vance spoke at the AI Summit in Paris.
• Secretary Rubio held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
• Secretary Rubio spoke with SiriusXM Patriot about our efforts in the Middle East and foreign aid done right. 
• The Baltic States have cut energy ties with Russia, bringing new opportunities to the American energy sector. 
• Secretary Rubio spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
• Secretary Rubio spoke with Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente about joint actions to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, dismantle the cartels, and stop fentanyl and arms trafficking.
• Secretary Rubio concluded his first international trip as Secretary of State. He thanked the American and locally employed staff who are out in the field every day advancing U.S. interests to make President Trump’s America First policy a reality.

Looking Ahead

• February 13–18: Secretary Rubio’s travel to Germany, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
• February 17: Washington’s Birthday

Note to Our Readers

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