Rubio Meets Portuguese Leaders in Lisbon, Discusses Defense and Trade
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Portugal's prime minister and foreign minister in Lisbon to discuss defense cooperation, trade and UN Security Council work.
The story in focus
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Lisbon with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on October 7, 2026, to discuss deepening defense-industrial cooperation, expanding trade and coordination on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
- Rubio met Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in Lisbon.
- Discussions covered defense-industrial cooperation and expanded two-way trade.
- Rubio looks forward to working with Portugal on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
Defense and alliance ties
Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the strength of the U.S.-Portugal alliance during meetings in Lisbon with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, according to a State Department statement dated October 7, 2026. The statement cited more than two centuries of friendship and decades of shared service in NATO.
Rubio thanked Portugal for its support to U.S. forces and discussed opportunities to deepen defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Trade and multilateral coordination
The talks also covered expanding two-way trade and investment, including through the U.S.-Portugal CEO Forum. The statement described Portugal as playing an increasing role as a trusted partner for American technology in Europe.
On multilateral issues, Rubio said he looks forward to working with Portugal on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. No further commitments or agreements were announced.
What did Rubio discuss with Portuguese leaders?
Rubio discussed deepening defense-industrial cooperation, expanding two-way trade and investment through the U.S.-Portugal CEO Forum, and future collaboration on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
Sources & further reading
Help keep the record accurate. Send a correction.
