**Article:**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Hungary and Slovakia next week, the State Department announced on Monday. The trip comes shortly after President Donald Trump expressed public support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing leader currently behind in polls ahead of April elections.
Rubio’s visit is expected to focus on diplomatic relations and regional issues involving both countries. The timing follows increased attention on Orban’s political standing and the broader US engagement in Central Europe.
**Why this matters:**
The visit highlights the US government’s interest in maintaining strong ties with Central European nations amid shifting political landscapes. President Trump’s endorsement of Orban, a controversial figure in European politics, has drawn international attention and could influence diplomatic dynamics in the region.
Source: NewsData