The Minister of Foreign Affairs opened the La Toja Forum at the Gulbenkian Foundation on transatlantic relations with a speech explaining why Portugal remains by the side of the US in a “perennial” relationship, in contrast to two predecessors. Paulo Portas admitted he does not trust the US to defend Europe and placed Trump alongside Putin. Augusto Santos Silva called for a “tougher reaction” to US actions and expressed his “lack of respect” for NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Rangel's speech on the US contrasts with harsh criticism of Trump by Paulo Portas and Santos Silva
Wednesday, 29 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte or OTAN) is a 32-member alliance facing pressure to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes. Disagreement among members regarding this military involvement has led to warnings about the organization's future stability. Portugal has been a member since NATO's founding in 1949 and hosts a major Joint Force Command in Oeiras.
