Portugal’s leading role in helping the United States government close the Guantanamo Detention Center. Not only did Portugal itself accept two such detainees; its timely and persuasive intercession with the rest of the European Union helped encourage other countries to accept detainees.
Portugal’s strong contributions to ISAF in Afghanistan, particularly the deployment last week of the advance team for a company-size Quick Reaction Force to Kabul, which will double Portugal’s troop presence. In total, Portugal’s contribution to ISAF will comprise more than 250 troops.
The 2010 NATO Summit, as well as the NATO’s new Strategic Concept. Portugal, a founding member of NATO, will host the 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon, in November of this year.
The recent tragedy in Haiti. Portugal was among the first countries to offer support during the crisis and to deploy a C-130 transport plane with much needed humanitarian assistance.
Changes in the European Union pursuant the Lisbon Treaty and the organization in Portugal of the “Senior Leaders Seminar” organized by the African Center for Strategic Studies, reflecting the parties’ common interest in African security and defense issues.
Progress made since the last Bilateral Commission meeting on military cooperation, assistance programs in the Azores, and the extensive cooperation in the science and technology sector. In addition, for the first time, experts from each country reviewed cooperation in the justice and home affairs sector.
Issues pertaining to Lajes Air Base, including the ongoing review and implementation of the labor agreement for Lajes employees, the resurfacing of the runway to ensure continued operation, and an initiative to train pilots in airspace around Lajes.
The parties pledged to continue this broad-based cooperation in the future and to review progress in all these areas at the upcoming 27th Bilateral Commission Meeting in Lisbon later this year.