Portugal and France Strengthen Ties: President Seguro in Paris
Portuguese President António José Seguro has hailed the current state of bilateral ties with France as “very positive,” following a high-level diplomatic mission to Paris. Speaking after a working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron, Seguro emphasized that the relationship is entering a period of renewed strength, particularly in trade and strategic cooperation.
Boosting Trade and Diplomatic Ties
“The working meeting could not have gone better,” Seguro told journalists, describing the day as a win for both Portuguese diplomacy and the national economy. A key outcome of the meeting is the plan to hold the first-ever Portugal-France summit by the end of this year. This summit, mandated by a friendship treaty signed last year, will prioritize cultural exchange and the promotion of the Portuguese and French languages.
During a meeting with business leaders at the Portuguese Embassy, the President issued a direct call to action for the private sector. “It is very important that we increase our exports to France; that is a very clear purpose,” he stated, expressing pride in Portuguese entrepreneurs currently operating in the French market.
Convergence on Global Crises
The discussions between the two leaders extended far beyond economics, touching on critical global security issues. Seguro highlighted a “great convergence” between Lisbon and Paris regarding the defense of multilateralism and international law. The leaders reviewed the war in Ukraine, the necessity of free movement in the Strait of Hormuz, and the urgent need for peace in the Middle East.
On the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, Seguro stressed the importance of protecting human rights and reaching a diplomatic agreement involving the United States and Iran. Furthermore, both presidents expressed a shared vision for the European Union, specifically the need to deepen the bloc’s strategic autonomy.
A Shared Vision for Africa
The Paris meeting also touched on the two nations’ roles in Africa. Seguro confirmed that he and Macron found an “affinity” in their approaches to the continent. This comes at a pivotal time for Portuguese foreign policy, as Seguro prepares to host the President of Mozambique in Lisbon later this July. Following that meeting, Seguro will embark on his first official trip to Africa, starting with a visit to Cape Verde at the end of the month.
When questioned about whether he sought Macron’s mediation regarding tensions with Guinea-Bissau, Seguro confirmed that the situation in the West African nation was part of their broader discussion on regional stability and cooperation.
Image: Pexels – Kampus Production
