Senator Rubio returned to Miami yesterday evening following an official visit to Germany and France to continue his oversight duties on the Senate’s intelligence, foreign relations and appropriations committees. Due to last Friday’s extended Senate business and intelligence committee briefing, Senator Rubio canceled his original plans to attend the Munich Security Conference and instead went to Germany and France on a separate trip authorized through the intelligence committee. Senator Rubio was joined by Mrs. Rubio, as well as other members of Congress.

On Monday in Germany, he received a country briefing at the U.S. embassy and met with American foreign service officers and intelligence officials stationed in Berlin. He also met with German officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, Defense Minister; Dr. Christoph Heusgen, National Security Advisor and Head of Foreign Relations, Global Affairs, and External Security; and Markus Erderer, State Secretary.

On Tuesday in France, he received a country briefing at the ambassador’s residence and met with American intelligence officials and foreign service officers stationed in Paris. 

The purpose of the trip was to discuss with our European allies and American officials on the ground the future of the U.S./EU relationship, NATO operations, counter-ISIL activities, foreign assistance programs and Russian aggression, including meddling in foreign elections. Senator Rubio reiterated his commitment to the transatlantic alliance and efforts to strengthen U.S.-European relations.