US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed his intention to thoroughly discuss the nearly completed Lebanon ceasefire deal with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who is expected to be nominated for secretary of state by President-elect Donald Trump. Blinken mentioned during a news conference at the G7 summit in Italy that he is looking forward to meeting with Rubio to review the progress made and discuss future steps.
Blinken emphasized the importance of continuity in addressing critical issues and ensuring a smooth transition between administrations. He highlighted the significance of providing the incoming Trump administration with a strong foundation to advance peace and security efforts in the region.
Despite limited direct communication between the Trump transition team and the Biden administration State Department, Blinken stated that he had recently spoken to Rubio and remains committed to collaborating with the incoming administration on various challenges.
During their phone conversation, Blinken and Rubio reportedly discussed the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon and the potential for further cooperation in the future. Blinken reiterated his dedication to working closely with the next administration to achieve shared objectives.
As the transition of power approaches, Blinken emphasized the importance of a seamless handover to ensure continued progress in promoting peace and security. He underscored the need for a united approach in addressing complex international issues and expressed his readiness to facilitate a smooth transition for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.