The following statement was issued by the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Portugal at the 53rd Meeting of the United States-Portugal Permanent Bilateral Commission.
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The Governments of the United States of America and the Government of the Portuguese Republic convened the 53rd meeting of the Portugal-United States Permanent Bilateral Commission (SBC). The dialogue focused on the following priorities:
Defense and Security Cooperation: Delegations reaffirmed NATO’s central role in Euro-Atlantic security and committed to joint investments in Allied defense in line with the commitments made at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague. Both sides recognized the strong bilateral defense relations and successful cooperation on defense equipment projects and welcomed the continued expansion of cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. They highlighted the ongoing national partnership program between the Portuguese and Illinois National Guards, including activities already underway and further planned to enhance interoperability, readiness and exchange of expertise.
Azores/Lajes Cooperation: Both sides commended the United States’ growing engagement with the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Delegations are committed to expanding economic opportunities and people-to-people ties to benefit the Azorean community. The delegations recognized the efforts of the U.S. Air Force in environmental remediation.
Economic Security/CEO Forum: Delegations reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening economic ties between Portugal and the United States. Based on the commitments made at the 52nd SBC meeting and the meeting held by Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Rangel in Lisbon on October 8, the two governments confirmed that the first CEO Forum plenary meeting will be held in Lisbon on November 10, 2026. Through this initiative, both parties aim to benefit the United States and Portugal by identifying new trade and investment opportunities while promoting job creation and promoting economic growth and security.
The United States congratulates Portugal on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The two delegations agreed to cooperate within the Council to address pressing issues on the global agenda.
Delegations reiterated their continued interest in continuing and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership.
The 54th SBC will be held in Lisbon in 2027.
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