Germany welcomes US Secretary of State Rubio’s Munich speech

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - Germany welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, where he worked to assure European allies of continued American support.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said it was important that Rubio emphasized the historical success of the transatlantic partnership, including its Cold War victory.

"And the most important sentence for me was, let's do it again. So, he was looking forward. This is good," Wadephul said. "This can be again a success story. Both of us have to contribute to it."

Wadephul acknowledged that differences remain on various policy issues between the Trump administration and Europe, but insisted that both sides have "common ground" to build on.

He expressed understanding of Rubio's criticism that the UN is inefficient in addressing international issues and said Germany and its partners also support reforming global institutions.

"The United Nations — this is our board of peace," Wadephul said, using the name of a recent US-led effort that some say is meant to replace the UN. Major European countries such as Germany, France, and the UK have declined to join the new group.

On the UN, he added: "We have, of course, to reform it. We have to make it more effective, as Rubio said this morning. And, of course, the UN has to deliver and not only to stand at the sidelines."

In his highly anticipated speech earlier Saturday, Rubio criticized European allies but also said the Trump administration wants "Europe to be strong" and does not seek an end to transatlantic ties.

His tone was softer and more conciliatory than US Vice President JD Vance's a year earlier at the same venue. Vance had openly accused European allies of suppressing free speech and failing to halt illegal migration, sparking weeks of tension.