Faith & Freedom News Faith & Freedom News - FFN - The Week at State: Advancing Security, Courage, and Global Partnerships -

March 28 – April 3, 2025

As the world marks 76 years since NATO’s founding on April 4, the United States remains deeply committed to strengthening alliances and ensuring global security. This week at State Department, Secretary Rubio has led groundbreaking initiatives that highlight America’s leadership and resolve.

Honoring Courageous Women

On April 1, the State Department hosted the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award ceremony. In a moving event led by Secretary Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump, eight exceptional women were recognized for their tireless advocacy for human rights, support for survivors of violence, and relentless pursuit of peace in their communities. The ceremony celebrated the honorees’ extraordinary acts of bravery and commitment, reminding us all of the transformative power of courage and leadership.

Secretary Marco Rubio delivers remarks at the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony with First Lady Melania Trump at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., April 1, 2025. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)

Strengthening Transatlantic Partnerships

Secretary Rubio continued his robust diplomatic engagements by traveling to Brussels for his first NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as Secretary of State. In meetings with key figures—including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker—Rubio emphasized the critical need for an equitable burden-sharing model among NATO members. Highlighting American security priorities, he called for increased defense spending by Alliance members to 5% of GDP, a stronger transatlantic commitment to countering China’s trade practices, and continued support for lasting peace in Ukraine. His call to action—”Peace isn’t free. It’s time for our Allies to increase defense spending”—resonates as a clarion call for collective security.

Secretary Marco Rubio is met by U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker and greets the USNATO staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 3, 2025. (Official State Deparment photo by Freddie Everett)

Bringing Americans Home

In a heartening conclusion to the week’s events, the Department celebrated the return of Faye Hall, a U.S. citizen who was detained in Afghanistan. The safe return, made possible through the support of the Government of Qatar and the European Union delegation in Kabul, underscores the Administration’s unwavering commitment: “We will not rest until all Americans detained in Afghanistan, and held hostage around the world, are brought home,” Secretary Rubio affirmed on X.

Additional Diplomatic Highlights

Caribbean Engagements: Earlier in the week, Secretary Rubio traveled to the Caribbean, furthering efforts to combat transnational crime, illegal immigration, and to reinforce economic partnerships in the region.
Ongoing Operations: The week also witnessed significant developments such as counterterrorism operations and humanitarian responses, including support for earthquake-affected communities in Burma.

Looking Ahead

As the State Department continues to build on its accomplishments, the future holds several key events:

April 13: The World Expo 2025 kicks off in Osaka, Japan.
April 23-30: Commemorative Days of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust.

With a firm focus on security, courage, and global partnership, Secretary Rubio’s leadership this week has set a high standard for diplomacy, reflecting the enduring values of the United States on the world stage.