Munich, February 15 (QNA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Friday, focusing on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and coordinate reconstruction and broader transatlantic cooperation.

According to a US State Department statement, the two leaders discussed pressing global challenges, including ways to advance efforts aimed at bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close and coordinating long-term reconstruction support for Ukraine.

Rubio also expressed appreciation for Germany's ongoing support for Ukraine's defense and resilience.
They also reviewed Europe's role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the future of the US-European security partnership, reflecting continued dialogue amid evolving transatlantic relations.

In his keynote address to the Munich Security Conference, Chancellor Merz highlighted the need to repair and revive transatlantic trust and acknowledged tensions between European capitals and Washington, emphasizing European efforts to strengthen collective defense capabilities.

Secretary Rubio, speaking at the conference, underscored the enduring importance of the US-Europe alliance, affirming that the United States and Europe "belong together" even as both sides weigh the future direction of their partnership. (QNA)