In a joint statement at the conclusion of the 51st session, the two countries expressed their anticipation for the upcoming NATO Summit (of which both are founding members) in July, as well as continued defense consultations at the next meeting of the Senior Level Bilateral Defense Dialogue scheduled for this fall, both also in Washington. The two countries advocate that the space of the Atlantic Alliance is a privileged place for bilateral cooperation in defense matters, which they believe can be strengthened through new areas of collaboration, such as cyber defense and space, namely through cooperation with third countries. "The United States and Portugal reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic principles and human rights as Portugal marks 50 years of democracy ushered in by the Carnation Revolution," the statement reads. Therefore, the two delegations confirmed their intention to strengthen the bilateral relationship within the framework of the transatlantic partnership, "welcoming recent increases in private sector investment in each other's economies, as well as the implementation, on March 15, of the treaty visa program for eligible Portuguese citizens to conduct substantial trade and investment in the United States." Portugal and the United States also addressed critical issues regarding infrastructure and the energy sector, recalling that they have an impact on "our shared collective security and economic competitiveness." In the joint statement, the CBP calls for "continued bilateral cooperation and in third markets and advancing opportunities under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the European Union (EU) Global Gateway." Regarding scientific cooperation, the CBP highlighted the role of the US and Portugal as co-chairs of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation on Science and Technology Capacity Building and Exchanges platform, as well as Portugal's continued strategic leadership through the Atlantic Center. The delegations also note that the Portuguese Space Agency, in conjunction with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, is hosting the Conference on Space Sustainability and Management this week in Lisbon. Taking advantage of Portugal's connection to Portuguese-speaking African countries, the delegations underscore the implementation of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Cancer Research, Treatment, and Prevention in Portuguese-Speaking Africa, in particular the launch of the memorandum with an inaugural oncology workshop held in Lisbon from April 29-30. This initiative involved the Portuguese Ministry of Health, the US National Cancer Institute, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and oncologists from Portuguese-speaking countries. The two countries also discussed the United States' and Portugal's continued military, economic, and diplomatic support for Ukraine, leaving a clear commitment to support. "The United States and Portugal remain steadfast in our political, financial, humanitarian, and military support to Ukraine and its people as they defend themselves against Russia's illegal and unprovoked war of aggression," the two countries wrote in the joint statement. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the CBP emphasizes "the urgency of de-escalation, the need to avoid a wider regional conflict, and the goal of establishing a path to peace that results in a two-state solution, beginning with a durable ceasefire that facilitates the sustained delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance." The commission also discussed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea, holding the Houthis accountable for "unlawful and unjustifiable attacks on commercial vessels and naval ships." The two countries also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the challenges it faces, including "actions that threaten to undermine the rules-based international order," reiterating their commitment to working with allies in the area to uphold international law. At this week's CBP session, Portugal expressed its intention to support the Framework for Countering Foreign State Disinformation to mitigate the negative impacts of disinformation and propaganda worldwide, aligning with the United States in supporting capacity-building efforts with emerging partners. The CBP also decided to meet again in the second half of this year to follow up on these initiatives. Read Also: Euro rises against the dollar for the third consecutive session (Portuguese version)