Portuguese-U.S. Relations

Portugal’s ties with the United States of America go back to early American history. After the Revolutionary War, Portugal was the first country to call the United States a free country. Colonel David Humphreys was named United States Minster to Portugal in February, 1791, and was given to him by President George Washington.

The United States and Portugal have always established a defense agreement to help each other.  The Lajes Air Base in the Azores has been a key place for aiding the United States. The spot gave American aircraft a place in Europe for half a century. Most often, this base is involved in international humane missions and counter terrorist drills. These security plans included recent tasks in Afghanistan and Iraq. The United States is able to get to Montijo Air Base and some ports through Portugal as well. Even in 2011, Portugal has stood behind the United States. They offered full support for America’s mission to find and kill Osama Bin Laden.

Rather than call itself neutral or allying with any larger organizations, Portugal calls itself “Atlanticist.”  This refers to their belief in strong ties with the democratic European countries.  The United Kingdom, United States and Canada are most important.  This group’s goals focus on protecting Democratic values. This includes giving each other aid in defense, economic and security matters.

Portugal regularly allies with the United States. They hosted the Azores summit and backed the United States’ military presence in Iraq.  NATO’s “Joint Command Lisbon” or RHQ SOUTHLANT is in Portugal. This organization used to be known as the Regional Headquarters in the Southern Atlantic. It is found in Lisbon and speak for the pacts involved in transatlantic security matters.

Trade between the United States and Portugal is very strong. $1.47 billion of goods were imported from the United States in 2006. In return, the United States imported over $3 billion of goods from Portugal. The Portuguese government is assisting in the development of stronger economic ties between the two countries. The overall volume of trading has decreased over time.

Tens of thousands of Americans live in Portugal and at least a million Americans of Portuguese descent are estimated to live in the United States.

The United States and Portugal have embassies in each other’s countries.  The Portuguese embassy can be found in Washington, DC.  The American Embassy is located in Lisbon.  The United States also has a consulate presence in Ponta Delgada, Azores and Funchal, Madeisa Islands.