Meinl-Reisinger travels to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Rubio

According to the Foreign Ministry, topics of the talks include bilateral relations, transatlantic cooperation, and current issues of international security. The situation in Ukraine and the role of the United Nations are also likely to come up.

Rubio's first trip to Vienna since 2025

Vienna's initiative comes against the backdrop of Austria's increased interest in a stronger mediating role in multilateral issues. In recent months, Vienna has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the OSCE and the UN Security Council as platforms for dialogue and crisis management.

Meinl-Reisinger had also stated that Austria, as the host state of international organizations, has a particular interest in a stable world order. The talks in Washington are therefore also intended to explore further steps toward a more active role for Vienna in the aforementioned forums.

Further talks with veto powers planned

According to the Ministry, the Foreign Minister plans talks with the other four permanent members of the Security Council in addition to the USA. The order and timing of further meetings – for instance with representatives of Russia, China, Great Britain, or France – are subject to ongoing coordination.

The US State Department said Rubio is looking forward to meeting with his Austrian counterpart. According to both sides, they want to deepen cooperation on issues of regional security and energy policy. Migration issues are also likely to play a role in light of European debates.

Observers see the meeting as a signal for a revitalization of bilateral dialogue following a phase of reduced personal contacts. In earlier statements, Meinl-Reisinger had described transatlantic relations as a "tragende Säule" of Austrian foreign policy.

The trip to Washington comes at a time of international tensions, in which the question of the format and scope of multilateral talks is gaining importance. Vienna traditionally sees itself as a bridge between West and East and maintains diplomatic relations with all five veto powers.

Expectations for the meeting

No concrete results of the meeting were known in advance. A joint press conference of the two foreign ministers is planned after the conclusion of the talks. Meinl-Reisinger then intends to leave Washington and prepare the next stages of her UN initiative.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry pointed out that the initiative involving the five veto powers is designed as a long-term project. The aim is to gradually build dialogue formats and thereby strengthen Austria's position as a reliable partner in international diplomacy.

The meeting on Tuesday takes place at a time when the government in Vienna is readjusting its foreign policy priorities. After the election, Meinl-Reisinger had announced that she wanted to make Austria's voice more clearly heard again in international bodies.