The 61st Munich Security Conference kicked off on February 14, 2025, bringing together leaders and diplomats from around the world to discuss pressing foreign and security policy challenges. The conference is set to be a platform for high-level debates on crucial global issues.
US Vice President JD Vance made his first foreign trip since taking office, accompanied by US Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio. Vance’s agenda included a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with a focus on peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. President Donald Trump revealed that US officials would also be engaging with Russian counterparts during the conference, although no specific details were provided.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier commenced the conference, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, alongside all G7 foreign ministers expected to attend.
The event featured various discussions and panels, with highlights including Ursula von der Leyen addressing the EU’s role in the world, JD Vance discussing US foreign policy, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi participating in discussions on China’s global presence. Other topics covered included strengthening the UN in a fragmented world, European defense responsibilities, fortifying democratic resilience, and climate cooperation in the face of environmental challenges.
The Munich Security Conference serves as a critical forum for shaping international relations and addressing global security concerns, with leaders coming together to exchange ideas and strategies for a more peaceful and secure world.
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Video “Munich Security Conference 2025 Day 1, with JD Vance, Ursula von der Leyen, Wang Yi | DW News” was uploaded on 02/14/2025 to Youtube Channel DW News