The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Portugal released the following joint statement on the occasion of the 53rd meeting of the U.S.-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission.
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The Governments of the United States and the Portuguese Republic convened the 53rd session of the Portugal-United States Standing Bilateral Commission (SBC). Discussions focused on the following priorities:
Defense and Security Cooperation: The delegations reaffirmed NATO’s central role in Euro-Atlantic security and their shared commitment to allied defense investment in line with commitments made at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague. Recognizing the strong bilateral defense relationship and successful collaboration on defense equipment programs, both sides welcomed the continued expansion of cooperation between their armed forces. They highlighted the ongoing implementation of the State Partnership Program between Portugal and the Illinois National Guard, including current activities and planned future engagements to strengthen interoperability, readiness, and the exchange of expertise.
Cooperation in the Azores/Lajes: Both sides praised the growing U.S. engagement with the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The delegations committed to expanding economic opportunity and people-to-people ties that benefit Azorean communities. They also acknowledged the U.S. Air Force’s efforts in environmental remediation.
Economic Security and CEO Forum: The delegations reaffirmed their strong commitment to reinforcing economic ties between Portugal and the United States. Building on the commitments from the 52nd SBC meeting and the October 8 meeting between Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Rangel in Lisbon, the two governments confirmed the inaugural CEO Forum Plenary Meeting to be held on November 10, 2026, in Lisbon. Through this initiative, both sides aim to identify new opportunities for trade and investment, facilitate job creation, and promote economic growth and security for the benefit of the United States and Portugal.
The United States congratulated Portugal on its election to the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. Both delegations agreed to cooperate within the Council to address pressing topics on the global agenda.
The delegations reaffirmed their sustained interest in continuing and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership.
The 54th SBC will meet in Lisbon in 2027.
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