The 34th session of the Portugal-U.S. Standing Bilateral Commission was held in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira Island, Azores and brought a delegation of U.S. government officials from Washington, the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, and elsewhere, as well as the Portuguese delegation, to address a range of political, economic, military and strategic issues. The Commission reviewed existing areas of cooperation and discussed opportunities for increased cooperation in the future, including bilateral and international issues.
Head of the U.S. delegation, Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Conrad Tribble, underscored during the bilateral talks that “the United States and Portugal share a close political, economic and strategic alliance, grounded in centuries of friendship between our two peoples.” He added that “We held positive and constructive bilateral talks, building on the progress made in previous meetings, and strengthened our commitment to shared political, economic and security interests.” At the conclusion of the talks, both parties issued a Joint Declaration.
On the eve of high-level bilateral talks, both official delegations met for a traditional dinner offered by the Regional Government of the Azores. Ambassador Robert Sherman observed, “We thank Vasco Cordeiro, the Azorean people, and our Portuguese counterparts for hosting these bilateral talks in Angra, and for the warm and gracious hospitality we’ve experienced here.” Deputy Assistant Secretary Conrad Tribble noted that “the extraordinary holding of the meeting in the Azores reflects the importance both the United States and Portugal attach to the role and contribution of this region to our overall relationship.”
The 35th Session of the Standing Bilateral Commission will be held in Washington in spring of 2016.
