Related videos:
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, will undertake a diplomatic tour of the Middle East from February 13 to 18, 2025, which will include visits to Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, sources from his office said.
This will be your first visit to the region and the second international tour since taking office at the end of January.
The tour comes amid the controversy generated by the recent proposal by President Donald Trump that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip and displace the Palestinian population.
This idea has been condemned by human rights groups and rejected by both Palestinians and Arab states.
During his visit, Rubio will discuss topics related to Gaza and the consequences of the Hamas attacks on Israel from October 7, 2023. Additionally, he is expected to address the current tensions in the region and seek to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and its allies in the Middle East.
This tour is seen as an effort by the Trump administration to reaffirm its commitment to stability in the Middle East, as well as to promote its vision of a new dynamic in the region.
The journey will include a stop in Germany to participate in the Munich Security Conference, which will be held from Friday, February 14, 2025, to Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Recently, Marco Rubio completed his first official tour of Latin America, visiting Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The primary objective of this trip was to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation in key areas such as migration, regional security, and economic growth.
During his visit to Panama, Rubio was received by Chancellor Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez. In his statements, he emphasized the strategic importance of the region for the future prosperity of the United States and the need for closer collaboration with regional partners.
In El Salvador, he met with President Nayib Bukele, with whom he agreed on the deportation of undocumented migrants who have committed serious crimes in the United States.
Additionally, Bukele offered the high-security prisons in his country to house these individuals, including gang members like MS-13 and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
In Costa Rica, Rubio offered support to Rodrigo Chaves' government to combat drug trafficking and discussed the need to limit the operations of Chinese technology companies in the development of 5G networks in the country.
He emphasized the importance of restricting contracts to trusted suppliers and expressed the willingness of the United States to involve the DEA and the FBI in investigations against international drug trafficking networks.
During his stay in the Dominican Republic, he oversaw the seizure of a Venezuelan government plane, an action that is part of the ongoing pressure by the United States on Nicolás Maduro's government.
The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 200, was used by high-ranking Venezuelan officials and was seized for violations of U.S. sanctions, export controls, and money laundering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marco Rubio's Middle East Tour
What is the purpose of Marco Rubio's tour of the Middle East?
The main objective of Marco Rubio's tour is to promote President Donald Trump's plan for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its inhabitants, as well as to address current tensions in the region and strengthen bilateral relations with America's allies in the Middle East.
Which countries will Marco Rubio visit during his tour of the Middle East?
Marco Rubio will visit Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia during his diplomatic tour of the Middle East from February 13 to 18, 2025. This will be his first visit to the region since he assumed the office of Secretary of State of the United States.
What is the stance of Arab countries on the United States' plan for Gaza?
President Donald Trump's plan for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip has been rejected by Arab states and condemned by human rights groups. The proposal has sparked controversy and tension in the region.
What topics will Marco Rubio discuss during his visit to the Middle East?
During his visit, Marco Rubio will discuss issues related to Gaza, the consequences of the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the current tensions in the region. He will also seek to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and its allies in the Middle East.
What is Marco Rubio's role in U.S. foreign policy?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, is a key figure in implementing the United States' foreign policy under the Trump administration. His approach focuses on the security, strength, and prosperity of the country, and he has been a consistent critic of authoritarian regimes in Latin America and the Middle East.
Filed under:
