Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stressed this Wednesday in Brussels that Portugal remains “very strong” in its commitment to the European project, both in domestic and foreign policy, especially in relation to Ukraine and the Middle East.
“Portugal’s commitment to the European project is very strong,” said Montenegro, who met European Council President Charles Michel for the first time as prime minister ahead of the European summit.
In a conversation with journalists, Montenegro also mentioned Portugal’s commitment to cooperation “for the goals on the agenda” of the extraordinary meeting of European Union leaders.
Increasing competitiveness, he clarified, “is as much a European goal as a Portuguese one,” arguing that Europe must be strong in the world and Portugal must be strong in Europe, “so that we have a strong Portugal in the world.”
Regarding foreign policy, security and defense issues, the Prime Minister emphasized Portugal’s participation in EU assistance to Ukraine and “in financial, political and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people.”
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, he defended the need to find a solution to avoid an escalation of violence.
Noting that Portugal was one of the first countries to condemn Iran’s recent attack on Israel, Montenegro reiterated that the path to peace in the Gaza Strip included an immediate ceasefire and recognition of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. .
For his part, European Council President Charles Michel said Portugal is a “very important” EU member state, adding that he expects the prime minister to play an important role in solving European problems.
EU leaders meet this Wednesday and Thursday for an extraordinary council focused on competitiveness, assistance to Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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