Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger with US Counterpart Rubio

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger was received at the State Department in Washington in the "Treaty Room," furnished with historically styled furniture. The working visit of the NEOS politician in the US capital aims to deepen bilateral relations between the USA and Austria and address internationally pressing key issues.

Tariff Dispute, Middle East, and Ukraine in Focus of Meeting Between Meinl-Reisinger and Rubio

A press statement from the Foreign Minister was scheduled only after the conversation. It was already stated in advance that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as economic issues, including the tariff dispute between the USA and the EU, would be central topics. The Foreign Minister had already described the tariff dispute as a "lose-lose situation" to the APA on Wednesday upon her arrival in the USA and added: "We stand for free and fair trade." This makes both sides stronger. At an evening event at the residence of the Austrian embassy in Washington, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that she could understand Trump's slogan "America First." The US President is concerned with wanting the best for his country, explained the NEOS politician. However, this should not become a strategy of "America Alone," as it is not goal-oriented.

US President Donald Trump announced in mid-July tariffs of 30 percent on goods from the EU. The punitive measure is set to take effect from August 1. Until then, the European Union wants to negotiate in the trade dispute with the USA. According to EU diplomats, however, a comprehensive package of possible countermeasures has already been considered, which could also target American internet giants. During a roundtable with "Think Tanks" on Wednesday afternoon in the US capital, reports were also discussed in front of Austrian media that the USA and the EU are currently approaching an agreement on tariffs of 15 percent. According to the newspaper "Financial Times," Brussels could agree to the so-called reciprocal duties to avoid an increase threatened by US President Donald Trump to 30 percent from August 1. Accordingly, tariffs on some products such as airplanes, spirits, and medical devices could be eliminated. She wants "fair negotiations," Meinl-Reisinger clarified.

Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Emphasizes "Common Interests"

Meinl-Reisinger emphasized before her bilateral meeting with the US counterpart that critical times in transatlantic relations need to be managed. However, there are also many common interests, such as the war in Ukraine or the need for peace and stabilization in the Middle East. In general, a broad range of topics needs to be discussed, said the Foreign Minister. She supports the US's commitment to peace in the Middle East "to the maximum" and is also "always ready to contribute. So in this respect, I see no differences in approach between the United States and Austria."

However, there is still a strong transatlantic axis and partnership, especially for Austria. "This year we celebrate 80 years since the end of World War II, and thus - with the involvement of the Americans in the liberation from the Nazi regime - 70 years of freedom and independence. Without the Americans, we would not be where we are. We owe them gratitude, and at the same time, and I will also emphasize this, I am convinced that in such a world, we can achieve more together in a strong partnership." This applies to crisis areas, conflicts, wars, but also to economic relations. The USA is Austria's second most important export destination after Germany and by far the most important Austrian sales market outside the EU. The sectors of pharmaceuticals and mechanical engineering are particularly significant.

Meeting of Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger with US Congress Members

The appointment at the State Department takes place at Rubio's invitation. The Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State had already had a phone call in May. Additionally, the two had already met for the first time on the sidelines of the inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The 54-year-old Marco Rubio, who was considered a rival to Trump a few years ago, is now his chief diplomat in a key position and is supposed to enforce the "America First" policy on the international stage. The son of Cuban immigrants has so far stood by Trump in his controversial tariff policy without objection. Meinl-Reisinger will also meet with Congress members at the Capitol on Thursday. The agenda includes talks with representatives of both US President Trump's Republicans and the Democratic Party, such as the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

(APA/Red)

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