Portugal and US reaffirm security and defense partnership

The US-Portugal Permanent Bilateral Commission (CBP) met in Washington on Wednesday to reaffirm the security and defense partnership in the context of NATO’s 75th anniversary, issuing a joint statement this Wednesday.

In a joint statement following the 51st session, both countries expressed hope for a NATO summit (of which both countries are founding members) to be held in July, as well as continued consultations on defense issues at the next meeting. of the high-level bilateral defense dialogue planned for this fall, both events will also be held in Washington.

Both countries argue that the Atlantic Alliance space is a privileged location for bilateral defense cooperation, which they believe can be strengthened through new areas of cooperation such as cyber defense and space, especially through cooperation with third countries.

“The United States and Portugal reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic principles and human rights as Portugal celebrates 50 years of democracy marked by the Carnation Revolution,” the statement said.

Thus, both delegations reaffirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral relations within the framework of the transatlantic partnership, “welcoming the recent increase in private sector investment in each other’s economies, as well as the introduction on March 15 of an agreement on visas for Portuguese citizens to be eligible to engage in major trade and investment in the United States “

Portugal and the US also addressed critical issues related to infrastructure and the energy sector, remembering that they have an impact on “our shared collective security and economic competitiveness.”

In the joint statement, CBP calls for “continued cooperation bilaterally and in third-party markets, and expanded opportunities through the G7 Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership and the European Union (EU) Global Portal.”

Regarding scientific cooperation, CBP emphasized the role of the United States and Portugal as co-chairs of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation platform for scientific capacity building and exchange, as well as Portugal’s continued strategic leadership in the Atlantic Center.

Delegations also note that the Portuguese Space Agency, together with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, is hosting a Conference on Governance and Sustainability of Outer Space Activities in Lisbon this week.

Taking advantage of Portugal’s connections with Lusophone Africa, delegations highlighted the implementation of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Cancer Research, Treatment and Prevention in Lusophone Africa, in particular the launch of the MoU at the first Oncology Seminar held in Lisbon from 29 to 30 April.

The initiative brought together the Portuguese Ministry of Health, the US National Cancer Institute, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and oncologists from Portuguese-speaking countries.

The two countries also discussed continued military, economic and diplomatic support for Ukraine from the United States and Portugal, making a clear commitment to support.

“The United States and Portugal remain steadfast in our political, financial, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine and its people as they defend themselves against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression,” the two countries wrote in a joint statement.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, CBP emphasizes “the urgency of reducing tensions, the need to avoid broader regional conflict, and the goal of paving the way for peace that leads to a two-state solution, starting with a durable ceasefire that facilitates the sustainable delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance.” help.”

The commission also discussed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea, holding the Houthis responsible for “unlawful and unjustified attacks on commercial and military ships.”

The two countries also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the challenges it faces, including “actions that threaten to undermine the rules-based international order,” reiterating their commitment to working with allies in the area to uphold international law.

At a CBP meeting this week, Portugal expressed its intent to support the Foreign Information Manipulation Framework to mitigate the negative impacts of disinformation and propaganda around the world, joining with the United States in supporting capacity development efforts with new partners.

CBP also decided to meet again in the second half of this year to monitor these initiatives.