Chair of the NATO Military Committee commends Portugal for its global security vision
From 20 to 23 January 2023, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer was in Portugal, at the invitation of the Portuguese Chief of Defence, Admiral António Silva Ribeiro. During the visit, Admiral Bauer attended a military ceremony, with Admiral Silva Ribeiro, before heading to the Joint Command for Military Operations. He also met with the Portuguese Minister of Defence, Mrs Helena Carreiras.
Arriving in Lisbon, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Bauer started his visit by joining Admiral Silva Ribeiro, Portuguese Chief of Defence, at the famous Torre de Belem, for a short military ceremony and the traditional inspection of the troops. They were then briefed at the Joint Command for Military Operations on the current military missions of the Portuguese Armed Forces. In 2022, Portugal contributed to 30 international missions, including for NATO, the EU and the UN. “As a founding member of NATO, Portugal has always seen the benefit of tackling global challenges with global solutions. Military cooperation allows for a better response, better results and a better use of resources”, highlighted Admiral Bauer.
Both Admirals then partook in a press conference to discuss the current security environment, including the war in Ukraine and the ongoing relations between NATO and Portugal. “Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war in Ukraine has ushered in a new era of collective defence. This is the most dangerous moment in European security, since the end of the Second World War. But there should be no doubt that NATO is ready, willing and able to defend every inch of Allied territory”, stated the Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
Turning to Portugal’s enduring commitment to NATO, Admiral Silva Ribeiro, added that “while placing a renewed emphasis on deterrence and collective defence, actively participating with maritime, air and land forces in NATO operations, Portugal remains engaged in projecting stability in its neighbourhood through cooperative engagements, contributing to fulfilling NATO’s three core tasks and pursuing a 360-degree approach to security”.
During his meeting with the Minister of Defence, Mrs Helena Carreiras, Admiral Bauer commended Portugal’s contributions in all military domains: “On land, your troops serve with NATO's multinational brigades in Lithuania and Romania. In the air, your jets have kept the skies secure over the High North, the Baltics and the Black Sea region. At sea, your ships have strengthened NATO's maritime forces. Moreover, in cyberspace, you host NATO's state of the art cyber academy. For more than 74 years, Portugal has proven to be a staunch Ally and we are grateful for your enduring commitment to our Alliance”.
Additionally, the Portuguese Ministry of Defence announced that it would not only be renewing its commitments to NATO’s multinational brigades in Romania and Lithuania, but increasing them in the latter. “Portugal exemplifies Allied solidarity. Despite being on NATO’s western flank, Portugal is actively contributing to reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank, while also providing continuous support to Ukraine. These contributions are helping our Allies on the eastern border of the Alliance feel more secure, and effectively deter and defend against any threat”, he concluded.