Rubio to Europe: You should not become a vassal

TT

Published 15.59

 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in the capital Bratislava. Photo: Alex Brandon /Pool Via AP/TT

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues a tour of friendly countries in Eastern Europe after the Munich Security Conference.

– We do not want Europe to become a vassal to the United States, said Rubio in the Slovak capital.

Rubio walked a balancing act during the conference between mastering European countries and ensuring continued good relations. On Sunday, he visited Bratislava and populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Rubio's statement that Europe should not become a feudally ruled servant to the United States hinted at the multi-faceted diplomatic approach in Washington DC.

– We want to be your partner. We want to cooperate with Europe, asserted Rubio, who after Bratislava continues to Hungary for a meeting with the friendly Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.