Washington: New Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday reiterated the Trump administration's refocus on the United States' national interests as the guiding mission of its foreign policy, which he said seeks to make America "safer, stronger, and more prosperous."

According to Yonhap News Agency, a day after assuming office, Rubio outlined his department's priorities, including curbing mass migration and securing borders; rewarding performance and merit; stopping censorship and suppression of information; and doing away with climate policies that he said weaken America. He emphasized that President Trump has directed a clear focus on core national interests as the guiding mission of American foreign policy.

Rubio stated that every dollar spent, every program funded, and every policy pursued must answer three key questions: whether it makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He pledged to pursue a more innovative, nimble, and focused State Department, which will require reevaluating and replacing some priorities.

The secretary reaffirmed Trump's focus on border security, stating that the State Department will not engage in activities that encourage mass migration. Diplomatic relations, especially in the Western Hemisphere, will prioritize securing America's borders and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants.

Rubio's priorities also include removing climate initiatives that he believes weaken America, in pursuit of energy dominance. He indicated that while environmental threats will not be ignored, diplomacy will be used to support President Trump's promise for American energy dominance.

He also called for a return to the basics of diplomacy by moving away from divisive political and cultural causes. This approach aims to conduct a pragmatic foreign policy in cooperation with other nations to advance the United States' core national interests.