Defence Minister Nuno Melo reaffirmed this Sunday in Portimão, in the Algarve, Portugal’s commitment to maintaining a defence policy aligned with NATO and to defending democracy and freedom.
“The commitment of the Portuguese government is clear. Our commitment is in line with the Euro-Atlantic partnership with NATO in defense of democracy and freedom,” Nuno Melo said on the sidelines of the Air Force’s 72nd anniversary celebrations.
Reporters asked a government official about the possibility of France reducing its support for Ukraine if Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Union (RN, its acronym in French) wins today’s legislative elections.
Marine Le Pen assured during the election campaign that the prime minister from her party would not allow Kyiv to use weapons to attack Russia and would contradict President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to send French troops to Ukrainian soil.
“To be honest, I am interested in the position of Portugal, the role of the armed forces and today, on this day in particular, the air force,” Nuno Melo began his response.
On the other hand, the minister confirmed the Portuguese government’s goal of increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP (gross domestic product) by 2029.
“That is why we have signed up to the government’s program and will adhere to the investment approach in defense of at least 2% of GDP, because only then will we be able to help our allies in difficult times,” he said.
Nuno Melo recalled that wars are currently taking place “along the perimeter of NATO,” citing as an example the war “at the border of the European Union,” hinting at Ukraine.
The Defense Secretary then stated that “the military situation in the Middle East is significantly worsening,” that “China considers itself a superpower,” and that the United States itself is “shifting its attention” to the Indo-Pacific region.
“We Europeans must adapt to our circumstances, and that is why we invest in the armed forces. We have a lot to do,” concluded Nuno Melo.
The BBC is celebrating its 72nd anniversary with a series of events taking place in Portimão from June 29 until today.
The Minister of Defence and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves, attended this morning the Mass of Thanksgiving and Electoral Rights, which took place at the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Portimão.
This afternoon they will attend an Air Force capabilities demonstration in Praia da Rocha.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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