Newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Photo:Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The plane of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was forced to return to the base due to a technical malfunction. The incident occurred on Thursday after a flight to Germany, where the diplomat was to take part in the Munich Security Conference, AFP reports.
Rubio was planning an international tour, including visits to Germany, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Despite the incident, his press service said the secretary of state would continue the trip on another plane.
An unexpected return
According to AFP journalists accompanying the politician, the plane suddenly turned around after takeoff and returned to Andrews Air Force Base, located near Washington, DC. US State Department spokeswoman Tami Bruce confirmed the technical problem that forced the plane to return.
“The plane carrying Secretary Rubio encountered a mechanical problem, so it was decided to return to the base,” she said.
The diplomatic mission continues
Despite the delay, Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Munich to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The discussions will focus on support for Ukraine and the security situation in the world.
After Germany, the Secretary of State will travel to the Middle East, where he plans to meet with the leaders of Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The visits take place against the backdrop of escalating regional conflicts and changing US foreign policy priorities.
The current situation has not yet affected the schedule of negotiations, but it has highlighted the unpredictability of diplomatic missions at the highest level.
