6. The Commission took note of the work developed by the existing subsidiary bodies and acknowledged their contribution as platforms for guiding increased cooperation. 7. The Commission highlighted the excellent defense cooperation between our two nations. The Commission was briefed on the November 29th High Level Defense Talks, which focused on strategic defense cooperation, and the October 27th Defense Committee meeting, which included a summary of Army, Air Force and Navy talks. 8. The Commission commended the conclusion of negotiations on the bilateral Agreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue and gave support to its signature and entry into force, as soon as possible. 9. The Commission discussed developments since May, regarding the streamlining process of the United States Air Force (USAF) presence at Lajes Air Base. Portugal and the United States remain committed to the strategic use and importance of Lajes Air Base for their mutual benefit in line with the shared goal of contributing to global security. 10. The United States reiterates its commitment to ensure the support missions to the Lajes Air Field, in accordance with the operational requirements of the Air Base and in line with the agreed statements from the previous Standing Bilateral Commission meetings. 11. The Commission acknowledged that the process of reduction of Portuguese employees under contract by the 65th Air Base Group has been completed. The United States informed that the intended reduction of U.S. military personnel has also been concluded. 12. The Commission agreed on the need to continue working together on infrastructure issues, with the aim of achieving a mutually satisfactory outcome. 13. The Commission recalled the joint commitment from the last SBC meeting on the cottages, built by former U.S. personnel, and welcomed the intention by both sides to conclude their demolition by the end of calendar year 2017. 14. Portugal and the United States reviewed discussions on shared environmental concerns on Terceira Island, arising from U.S. facilities or operations at Lajes Air Base, and on appropriate remediation measures. The Commission noted that the environmental experts, appointed by the Technical Committee, have met and exchanged information on this issue.