U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Slovakia and Hungary, two Eastern European nations with conservative leadership that share a friendly rapport with former President Donald Trump. The visit is reported to be aimed at discussing energy cooperation and furthering bilateral relations, notably on NATO commitments. Ahead of his departure, Rubio expressed his enthusiasm for visiting, noting that both nations are strong collaborators with the United States, marking this as his first visit to these countries.

Rubio's itinerary includes a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who recently visited Trump in Florida. This meeting underscores the growing ties between the U.S. and both nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in energy sectors. Additionally, Rubio is scheduled to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose popularity has been waning ahead of the upcoming elections in April. This relationship indicates a strategic interest in maintaining strong connections with these leaders despite external pressures.

The context of these meetings is also intertwined with Trump's continued support for Orbán, whom he describes as a 'strong and powerful man.' The visits will likely explore regional security concerns and the implications of U.S. relations with European nations in light of shifting political dynamics. As both Slovakia and Hungary face their political trajectories, the outcomes of these meetings could influence future U.S. engagement in Central and Eastern Europe.