The Week at State: February 14 – February 20, 2025

Secretary Rubio’s Trip to the Middle East

February 14 – February 20

Free speech, bold diplomacy, and peace through strength – Secretary Rubio made clear that American leadership is back in his interviews with Face the Nation and Catherine Herridge Reports.

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

Secretary Rubio met with G7 leaders in Germany before continuing to travel to the Middle East.
We celebrated the release of American Sagui Dekel Chen by Hamas after nearly 500 days of captivity.
The U.S. and Russia agreed to address bilateral issues and appoint teams to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Advancing American Interests Through International Partnership

Secretary Marco Rubio and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan walking in front of a group down a hallway lined with flags.

Secretary Marco Rubio meets with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 17, 2025. (State Dept./Freddie Everett)

From February 13 to February 19, Secretary Rubio traveled to Germany, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to promote U.S. interests in advancing regional cooperation, stability, and peace.