U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his gratitude to Portugal for its strong and unwavering cooperation in a recent phone call with his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel. The two leaders discussed the close ties between their countries and the invaluable contribution that Portugal has made to the United States’ defense and security efforts.
Rubio, who has been a vocal advocate for strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and Portugal, praised the country for its unwavering commitment to the shared values of democracy and freedom. He acknowledged the vital role that Portugal has played in promoting peace and stability in Europe and around the world.
In the phone call, Rubio and Rangel discussed a range of issues, including NATO’s defense capabilities, cyber security, and countering Russian aggression. The U.S. Secretary of State applauded Portugal’s efforts in these areas and expressed his appreciation for the country’s contributions to international peace and security.
The U.S. and Portugal have a long-standing history of close cooperation, and this relationship has only strengthened in recent years. In 2019, the two countries signed a 10-year defense cooperation agreement, reaffirming their commitment to working together on matters of defense, security and intelligence. This agreement has allowed for increased collaboration between the two countries, paving the way for advancements in technology and intelligence sharing.
Furthermore, Portugal has been a key ally in the fight against terrorism. The country has consistently shown its support for the U.S.’s counterterrorism efforts, and has played a crucial role in intelligence sharing and military operations in the Middle East. This cooperation has been vital in the fight against ISIS and other extremist groups.
In his conversation with Rangel, Rubio also expressed his gratitude for Portugal’s hosting of U.S. military bases, which have been instrumental in promoting regional stability and providing rapid response capabilities. The partnership between the two countries has also allowed for joint military exercises and training, further strengthening their defense capabilities.
But the cooperation between the U.S. and Portugal goes beyond defense and security. The two countries share a strong economic partnership as well, with trade between them reaching over $10 billion in 2019. Portugal is a significant market for U.S. exports, with American companies investing in various sectors of the Portuguese economy, including tourism, technology, and renewable energy.
The U.S. Secretary of State also commended Portugal for its leadership in promoting democracy and human rights. Portugal has been a strong advocate for democracy and has taken a proactive role in addressing human rights issues, both domestically and internationally. The country has shown a commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting democratic values, making it a key ally for the U.S. in promoting global peace and stability.
In conclusion, the phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the U.S. and Portugal. The two countries share a long history of cooperation and have worked closely together on a range of critical issues. As Secretary Rubio reiterated, “Portugal is a valuable partner and friend of the U.S., and we look forward to continuing to work together to address global challenges and promote shared values.” With such strong ties, the future of the U.S.-Portugal relationship looks bright, and the two countries can achieve great things by working together.
