Rangel and Rubio: “Portugal is champion of transatlantic relations”

Jthe joint press conference of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (MNE), Paulo Rangel, and the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, began in Lisbon.

Paulo Rangel was the first to speak and began by stressing “that Portugal and the United States are historical allies, sharing values in the rule of law, balance, stronger ties in security and defense and economy.”.

The Portuguese ruler also recalled that the toast of American independence was made with “wine of Madeira” and that “Portugal was the third country to recognize the United States” as an independent territory.

According to the Foreign Minister, Portugal and the USA are “in a time of great bilateral development”.

“Portugal is a “strategic partner in NATO [...] It is certainly one of the top champions in transatlantic relations”, he said.

“Americans want to come to Portugal to do business and admire beauty”

However, Marco Rubio takes the floor and begins by recalling that U.S. and Portugal “have already accomplished things together” and exemplifies with the F-16 fighters purchased by the Portuguese Armed Force to the Americans.

“ We worked for the arsenal and to strengthen Portugal’s security and defense,” said the US ruler, taking advantage of the renewal of F-16 fighters. Alongside Paulo Rangel, on the subject, Marco Rubio assumed that the two countries are working to renew the “arsenal” of Portugal.

The US Secretary of State also took the opportunity to commend the fact that Portugal also invested in NATO and Defence. So, according to the bailout, NATO is ‘stronger’.

Already in conclusion, before going to the questions of journalists, Marco Rubio emphasized the fact that “many Americans come to Portugal” to “do business and admire beauty.”.

[News update]