Marco Rubio calls Portugal 'ideal gateway' to Europe for US during Lisbon visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Portugal on Thursday, concluding his tour of three NATO allies. This was the final stop in his diplomatic journey, which began with a speech in Athens, where he called for European countries to uphold the values and traditions of ancient Greece. Rubio emphasized that Portugal is a valuable ally and a growing partner, and that the visit aimed to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

He also expected to express gratitude for Portugal's use of Lajes Field air base in the Azores for operations related to the Iran conflict.

During his time in Lisbon, Rubio met with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro but refrained from addressing the press. The Secretary of State commended Portugal's investment in defense, stressing that such spending is not a hostile act. He further underscored the importance of strong NATO members, which would ensure the alliance's continued effectiveness as a deterrent against hostility.

Rubio also highlighted the economic benefits of the partnership, noting that US technology companies have invested more than $20 billion in Portugal, while Portuguese companies have invested over $2 billion in the United States.

In addition, Rubio praised Portugal's efforts in combating drug trafficking, highlighting that authorities, in collaboration with US agencies, have seized 200 tonnes of cocaine in recent years. While Portugal shares a strong historical relationship with the United States, it differs from neighboring Spain, whose Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declined to allow US military use of Spanish bases for attacks on Iran.

Portugal's approach, which allowed for the use of Lajes Air Base following the Iran conflict, has been more moderate. This air base, initially utilized during World War II, has a long runway capable of accommodating heavy military aircraft. Since the Cold War, its usage has been scaled back mainly for refueling transatlantic military flights.