New Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at the State Department to warm applause, on his first visit since being sworn in as the United States' top diplomat.
Speaking before hundreds of diplomats, Rubio emphasized his commitment to a foreign policy focused on the national interests of the United States.
"Anything that makes us stronger, safer or more prosperous" will be our mission, Mr. Rubio said, adding that the US will strive to avoid conflict, never compromising national security or sacrificing fundamental American values.
Secretary Rubio acknowledged that changes are inevitable, but assured that “those changes are not intended to cause harm. They are not intended to cause punishment.”
The new Secretary of State expressed gratitude for American diplomats.
"I want to thank you - all of you who are serving abroad, some in countries that are strong and stable, and some in countries that are weaker and more at risk. ...I also want to thank the local personnel, the citizens of those countries who are working with us," Rubio said.
Following his presentation at the State Department, Mr. Rubio met with Indo-Pacific foreign ministers on Tuesday afternoon, including Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi.
The foreign ministers of Japan, Australia and India were in Washington to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Rubio was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of State on Monday, becoming the first member of Mr. Trump's cabinet in his second administration.
During his confirmation hearing last Wednesday, he detailed key foreign policy challenges, including threats from the Chinese Communist Party, mass immigration, fentanyl and violent criminals in the Western Hemisphere.
He also warned of the instability that dictators in Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang are causing by supporting radical terrorist groups. VOA (A2 Televizion)
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