[PT] Message to the UK

[Bruno]

SECRET

To: The Rt. Hon. Emma Ryan, MP Jamie
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Subject: Proposal for Strategic Defence Cooperation and Joint Military Engagements

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Your Excellency,

I extend to you the warmest regards on behalf of the Portuguese Republic and our government in Lisbon. It is with both great respect and urgency that I reach out in this moment of considerable regional turbulence to propose a significant step forward in the defence and diplomatic partnership between our two nations.

The recent collapse of the French government has not only raised questions about the stability of one of Europe's central powers but has sent ripples of uncertainty through the very foundations of continental security. At a time when coherence, shared values, and dependable alliances are paramount, I believe Portugal and the United Kingdom, as longstanding friends and maritime nations, have both the opportunity and responsibility to strengthen our cooperation in matters of defence and strategy.

In light of this, I wish to formally propose the negotiation of a Portugal–United Kingdom Strategic Defence Cooperation Agreement, which would encompass the following key pillars:

1. A Bilateral Defence Pact, through which both countries would commit to mutual consultation and defence in the face of external aggression, and enhance interoperability between our armed forces.
2. Joint Naval Military Exercises, conducted regularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, focused on maritime security, amphibious coordination, and rapid deployment operations. These could be hosted alternately from Portsmouth and Lisbon, with potential inclusion of our overseas territories.
3. Defence Intelligence Dialogue, including the secure exchange of intelligence regarding regional threats, maritime piracy, cyber security, and terrorism.
4. Military Training Exchanges, allowing officers and units from both nations to participate in cross-training programmes, bolstering operational synergy and shared readiness.

Portugal continues to uphold its commitment to peace and views the United Kingdom as a vital stabilising force in the Atlantic sphere. With shared interests in maritime security, expeditionary capabilities, and transatlantic relations, our collaboration can serve as a pillar of regional security and a testament to the enduring value of European defence cooperation, especially in the absence of consistent leadership from Paris.

Beyond defence, this initiative could deepen our economic and industrial ties, notably through coordination in defence procurement, shipbuilding, and emerging domains such as cyber defence and artificial intelligence applied to security contexts.

I would welcome the opportunity to initiate this dialogue formally at your earliest convenience. Should Your Excellency be agreeable, I propose that we convene a bilateral meeting between our respective defence and foreign affairs teams, to outline the framework for such an agreement and begin the drafting process.

Portugal stands ready to work with the United Kingdom to ensure the Atlantic remains a space of stability, rule of law, and mutual security. I am confident that, together, we can rise to this occasion and build an alliance fit for the times we face.

With my highest consideration,
Yours sincerely,
Luís Amado
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Portuguese Republic

 

[Bruno]

Jamie