Marco Rubio, the head of American diplomacy, will visit Hungary and Slovakia following the support expressed by Trump for Viktor Orban.

Marco Rubio, the American Secretary of State, will make a visit to Hungary and Slovakia next week, after President Donald Trump offered support to the nationalist Viktor Orban. Rubio's visit comes at a time of tension in transatlantic relations. Rubio will participate in the Munich Security Conference before meeting with Hungarian officials to discuss bilateral interests and energy partnerships. Trump referred to Orban as "a true friend and fighter" in a recent post, while the electoral campaign intensifies in Hungary with parliamentary elections scheduled for April. Orban's Fidesz party is facing a challenge from the Tisza Party, which is leading in the polls. Hungary is also at the center of some European disputes, having been sanctioned for systemic corruption and playing a controversial role in EU policies.