Europe

Portugal
Last reviewed: 17 August 2009

Country information

See entire profile

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Portugal's Relations with the International Community

During the 1980's Portugal revitalised her relationship with former colonies in Africa. In July 1996, they formed the Commonwealth of Portuguese speaking countries (CPLP). Following a period of Indonesian occupation, East Timor gained independence in 2002 and was the last one to join the CPLP in 2003.

Portugal is a founder member of NATO. Military co-operation with her allies is close, and use is made of her logistic and training facilities. Portugal participated in the Kosovo action and had troops in the NATO force in Bosnia (IFOR). It has recently agreed to reinforce its military presence in Afghanistan (2009). In 2003, despite substantial domestic opposition, the Portuguese Government supported the coalition intervention in Iraq Portugal hosted the Azores Summit where President Bush and Prime Ministers Blair and Aznar met to discuss Iraq. Between 2003 and 2005 Portugal contributed with a 130-strong GNR force towards the international coalition transition effort in Iraq force towards the international coalition transition effort in Iraq.

Portugal's Relations with the UK

England and Portugal have had a Treaty of Alliance since 1373. The two nations signed the Treaty of Windsor in May 1386, which formally confirmed the alliance, the oldest between two sovereign states. In 1387 Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, married King João I of Portugal. The royal couple's youngest son Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator) paved the way for Portugal's Golden Age with his sea voyages of discovery.

Almost three hundred years later, in 1662, Charles II married the Infanta Catharine of Braganza, who introduced tea to Britain, as well as bringing a dowry of two million cruzados, Tangiers and Bombay. In 1703 Portugal joined Britain and the Netherlands in a ‘Grand Alliance' against the French and Spanish Bourbon dynasty. She also signed the Methuen Treaty, in December 1703, which saw Portuguese wines flow into England. In 1807 when Napoleon's army marched into Lisbon and the Royal family fled to Brazil, Portugal invoked the Treaty of Windsor and British Generals, including Beresford and Wellington, came to the defence of Portugal.

In the 21st century the close links continue. Governmental contacts are frequent at political and official levels as we work together on a wide range of issues. The Queen has paid two State Visits to Portugal.

historical landmarks and main bilateral visits

British Council: Portugal