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. After the working visit in the US capital, the NEOS politician expressed optimism that a negotiated solution to the tariff dispute between the USA and the EU could be found. Although there are different positions on this issue, the Foreign Minister admitted. Overall, it was a friendly conversation. "This is also a sign of our strong partnership."

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

Austria is "among the eight fastest-growing investors in the USA." Therefore, it is important to push for "a good agreement to be reached soon," Meinl-Reisinger explained. "We need security, especially for the investors." Because nothing is "more toxic for the economy, for the entrepreneurs" than uncertainty.

She made it clear once again, "that such a tariff war is a lose-lose situation, that our companies also need predictability." They would "take hundreds of millions in hand" to invest in the USA. "They need legal certainty, they need predictability."

Her position is clear, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized: "That we are economically stronger when we rely on free trade. That is what the European Union is doing now with other parts of the world. We are looking for new markets. I am very confident that we will get a negotiated solution here that is fair for both sides."

US President Donald Trump announced in mid-July tariffs of 30 percent on goods from the EU. The punitive measure is to take effect from August 1. Until then, the European Union wants to negotiate in the trade dispute with the USA. Recently, reports circulated in Washington 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. However, possible counter-tariffs from August 6 were also on the table. The Foreign Minister, however, also pointed out that neither she nor Rubio are involved in the negotiations. Therefore, they cannot comment on the current status. The negotiation mandate is in the best hands with the Commission on the EU side. It would be more difficult if each EU country had to do this itself. In any case, she wants "fair negotiations," Meinl-Reisinger made clear.

Trump's Policy as a "Wake-up Call for Europe"

Trump's current foreign policy on transatlantic issues could also be a "wake-up call" for Europe, the Foreign Minister summarized her conversation with the State Secretary. "For a Europe that takes more responsibility for its own security, for its own defense capability." However, she did not get the impression that the USA generally no longer has an interest in good relations with Europe, the Foreign Minister responded to a corresponding journalist's question. "There are different interests, okay, that is to be respected."

In principle, she had a "great conversation" with Rubio, the Foreign Minister was pleased. "It was a great sign that I was invited so quickly after taking office. And also an important sign of the strong partnership we have." All the more so, as Austria is celebrating "80 years since the end of World War II, freedom from the Nazi regime, 70 years of the State Treaty, and thus our independence and freedom," to which the United States contributed decisively. "That means we have strong relations with the USA and they remain strong."

Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Invited Rubio to the Opera Ball

There are many topics "that we are working on together, and we hope that we can continue to do so." She also invited Rubio to come to the Vienna Opera Ball, the Foreign Minister revealed to Austrian media. "I hope that he will accept this invitation." Meinl-Reisinger was received by Rubio in the morning (local time/afternoon CEST) at the State Department in Washington in the "Treaty Room," furnished with historically styled furniture, for a press handshake. There was no press statement from the host. The meeting took 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 on the sidelines of the inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The Foreign Minister also identified common ground regarding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. She discussed with Rubio the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin "to achieve a ceasefire and serious negotiations."

"Putin Not Interested in Peace"

It is apparently also clear to the Trump administration "that Putin is playing for time here and is actually not interested in making peace." Putin may talk "during the day" about wanting to create peace. But at night, he terrorizes the Ukrainian civilian population "with drones, with missiles, with grenades." "The dying must come to an end," emphasized Meinl-Reisinger. "But it must be a fair peace, also for Ukraine." It is also about our own security.

Necessity of a Ceasefire in the Middle East

Regarding the Middle East conflict, the necessity of a ceasefire was discussed. This also includes "finally having Hamas stop playing for time, agree to a ceasefire, and release hostages. There is a window of opportunity for peace." She is very grateful "that the United States is doing so much here for a hostage deal, for the security of Israel, but also for peace." Regarding Iran, the necessity of cooperation was discussed, the NEOS politician summarized. Apparently, there are cautious signs that Tehran might enter into negotiations with the Atomic Energy Agency and also with the USA itself.

Meinl-Reisinger's Running Tour as Promotion for Austria's UN Ambitions

Austria's candidacy for a non-permanent seat for the 2027/28 period on the UN Security Council was not a topic in the bilateral conversation on Thursday, Meinl-Reisinger admitted. Laughing, she added: "But I have already promoted it today. I went for a run in the morning "with our branded T-shirt, so that all of Washington D.C. would notice our candidacy." The USA "rightly" points out the "need for reform in the UN." "But we are also partners in that and involved in the question of Security Council reform." For several years, there have been intensive negotiations at the diplomatic level about a reform of the highest body of the United Nations, in which the Austrian UN representation in New York has recently been taking a leading role.

On Thursday, Meinl-Reisinger also met with members of Congress at the Capitol. The agenda included 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. With this "impressive woman," she discussed, among other things, the "fight against terrorism," according to the Foreign Minister.

The 54-year-old Marco Rubio, who was considered a rival to Trump a few years ago, has been his chief diplomat in a key position since January and is supposed to enforce the "America First" policy on the international stage. The son of Cuban immigrants has so far stood by Trump unchallenged in his controversial tariff policy.

(APA/Red)

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