Welcome to the Official page of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic

Welcome to Portugal!

I have the greatest pleasure in hosting this dinner in honour of the highest military representatives of the Alliance and spouses on the occasion of the annual conference of NATO’s Military Committee.

I extend a warm welcome to the representatives of Albania and Croatia who participate for the first time in this Conference as member states and welcome the full return of France to the Alliance’s military structure.

Dear Guests,

Having emerged in a highly troubled period, NATO by its action and its example has managed to stand as a case of unparalleled success among security and defence organisations. This allowed the safe reconstruction of a Europe torn apart by war and also promoted cohesion, stability and trust amongst member states.

With the end of the Cold War, NATO continued to be a particularly relevant instrument to affirm the values of freedom, democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights.

However, the reconfiguration of the strategic context both of Europe and of the world has produced inevitable transformations. NATO is now a privileged partner of the United Nations Organisation within the scope of peace-keeping operations. Following the September 11 attacks, NATO has focused its efforts on more asymmetric, but no less dangerous, global threats and challenges.

I render a heartfelt tribute to all those who gave everything, including their lives, to achieve the Alliance’s objectives.

Dear Generals,

In current times, NATO’s role is far from diminished. The threats and dangers facing our civilisation and mankind have never been so complex or so diversified.

Once again, the Alliance has to make use of its heightened capacity for adaptation, regeneration and transformation in order to provide adequate responses to the challenges ahead of us.

One of the Alliance’s main challenges will be its ability to explore new dimensions of proximity and cooperation and promoting ties of trust with other countries and organisations.

All our efforts and determination must go into strengthening the transatlantic link and ensuring progress in its relation with the European Union. These ties are crucial for building a more complete and effective tool for crisis prevention and management. Afghanistan is a significant test for that matter.

The Alliance’s capacity for transformation is once again being tested. It is required to maintain a strong military defensive posture and to confront effectively new challenges, with particular emphasis on combating nuclear proliferation, terrorism and organised crime, whilst keeping an eye on new issues related to energy security, the consequences of climate change and the dispute over natural resources.

I am convinced that when defining a new strategic concept our countries will once again achieve a fair balance for future NATO missions, in order to preserve a stable and secure environment in which our societies can continue to tread the path of peace, progress and well-being.

On this occasion I would like to reiterate Portugal’s firm commitment to contribute to the debate on the new strategic concept that we will all be asked to approve at the next NATO summit, which will take place in Portugal.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Portugal is proud to be a founding member of NATO, proud to be part to its missions and structure, and a partner that upholds solidarity in its cooperation with the other members of the Alliance.

I stress the recent Portuguese decision to reinforce our contribution to NATO’s mission in Afghanistan and our participation in other NATO missions, namely in Kosovo.

We are pleased to be the host country of the Joint Force Command Lisbon and we will continue to support with determination and commitment the growing affirmation of this Command within the Alliance. It is a task that we assume with satisfaction and a sense of responsibility.

I hope that your stay in Lisbon will be as productive as pleasant and that it will encourage you to return to Portugal very soon.

I have no doubts that this Organisation is and will remain essential for the construction of a better and safer world. I therefore ask you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the future of our Alliance.