The United States has extended congratulations to the Portuguese people on the occasion of the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities.
On behalf of the American people, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the country's commitment to its strategic ally, Portugal, as it celebrates a significant national day. As a valued member of NATO, Portugal plays a crucial role in advancing transatlantic security and the U.S. is counting on its support to meet the Alliance's defense spending commitment goal of 5 percent of GDP.
This shared commitment to deterrence is essential in strengthening the NATO Alliance, reinforcing peace through strength, and ensuring that member nations are prepared to address today's security challenges together. The Secretary emphasized that burden-sharing among allies is critical in achieving this goal.
In addition to its defense cooperation, the U.S. looks forward to continuing its work with Portugal on expanding economic ties, increasing trade and investment, and combating both illegal immigration and organized crime. These efforts are essential in advancing shared security and prosperity, which ultimately protects the sovereignty and safety of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
The strong partnership between the United States and Portugal is built not only on strategic alignment but also on human connection. With over 1.3 million Portuguese Americans contributing to various sectors of American life, this bond is a testament to the close relationship between the two nations. The Secretary of State reiterated that together, they will continue to build a secure and prosperous future for their nations' generations.
The U.S. Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and the Office of the Spokesperson are committed to fostering strong bilateral relations with Portugal, and the Secretary's message is a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries.