JOINT STATEMENT
36TH PORTUGAL-U.S. STANDING BILATERAL COMMISSION
November 30, 2016 – Sintra
1. The Portugal-U.S. Standing Bilateral Commission (SBC) held its 36th Session
on November 30th, to take stock of the recent developments in bilateral
relations and to explore further opportunities for cooperation. The Cochairs thanked the Mayor of Sintra for his excellent hospitality, allowing this
meeting to take place in the historical setting of the “Palácio da Vila”.
2. Portugal and the United States share a close political, economic and
strategic alliance, grounded in centuries of friendship between our peoples
and governments. We cooperate to contribute to peace and security
worldwide, to address common threats and challenges, to strengthen
human rights and the rule of law, to expand development of science and
technology, and to improve our economies through trade and investment.
3. The Commission discussed a wide range of topics of mutual interest and
ongoing cooperation between Portugal and the United States, including the
state of play of political, defense, economic, trade and investment, justice
and home affairs, and science and technology relations, and cooperation
with the Azores. Portugal and the United States agreed on their shared
interest to expand and enhance their cooperation in all of these areas.
4.
A comprehensive exchange of views on the international agenda took
place. Portugal and the United States reaffirmed their commitment, as
members of the international coalition to counter ISIL, to confront common
challenges in Syria, Iraq and Libya, fight terrorism, counter violent
extremism, and work together to address the refugee and migrant crisis,
while fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. The
Commission also recognized the positive participation and additional
pledges of Portugal and the United States in the September Leaders'
Summit on Refugees, and agreed to continue bilateral and
multilateral cooperation in this field. The Commission took positive note of
ongoing cooperation to promote global security and stability, including
through contributions to missions in Iraq, in Kosovo and in the Sahel and
Central Africa.
5. The Commission welcomed the election of Mr. António Guterres as the next
Secretary-General of the United Nations and seized the opportunity to wish
him all success. Portugal and the United States pledged to provide to Mr.
Guterres all their support as he starts his mandate next January 1st, 2017.