Lisbon, Sept. 17, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's foreign minister, Paulo Rangel, spoke out in Cairo on Thursday in favour of strengthening the «already good relations» with Egypt and of Egypt's involvement in trilateral cooperation with the European Union (EU) on the international agenda.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting lasting more than two hours with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, Rangel highlighted the «great number of shared viewpoints» between the two countries, describing Egypt as «the champion of multilateralism».
In Cairo, where he arrived on Wednesday, Paulo Rangel, who also met that morning with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil Fahmy, emphasised that Portugal maintains a «close» relationship with Egypt, and that this could be «further deepened».
Expressing his gratitude for Cairo's support for Portugal's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, which Lisbon will chair in January 2027, Rangel emphasised that both countries believe that multilateralism, in the current international climate, «is crucial».
«It is crucial for achieving peace and strengthening security. And with international law and multilateralism, the world can enjoy a far more stable situation, as we can see from the various breaches of international law, a certain disregard for multilateralism, and the fact that the situation in different regions of the globe has deteriorated significantly,» he emphasised.
Rangel also announced that Lisbon will host the Joint Cooperation Committee in February or March 2027, which will include an Economic Forum and a Trade Committee aimed at improving and strengthening bilateral relations.
«There are sectors such as tourism, construction and infrastructure, and renewable energy, where there is much to be done, which can be beneficial for both countries and both peoples,» Rangel said.
The Portuguese foreign minister also urged greater cultural exchange.
«It is true that we have a deep admiration for Egyptian culture and Ancient Egypt, but there is much about modern Egypt and Portugal that we can learn,» he maintained.
Regarding trilateral cooperation, Rangel emphasised that Egypt is an African country and that Portugal has always maintained a very close relationship with the continent.
«Trilateral cooperation can be a very good way of working together. Both countries regard international cooperation as an important objective, particularly in Africa, and whilst we work with each country individually, we can also undertake joint projects with other African nations, and I believe this is very important,» he said.
«It is also very important to involve the European Union in Mediterranean issues, and I think the situation has been improving in recent years, but we can achieve a great deal together and build this partnership between Egypt and the European Union, because Egypt is truly a very, very good partner,» added Rangel.
«Because it is reasonable, because it is moderate, because it is always advocating for the strengthening of security and peace, and to alleviate the tremendous consequences of conflicts», emphasised the Portuguese foreign minister, highlighting Cairo's role in Libya, Sudan, Yemen, the conflict with Iran, the Palestinian issue in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, Lebanon and Syria.
For Rangel, the important thing is that Egypt «is on the side of the good guys», trying to create the right conditions to improve the situation, halt hostilities, initiate dialogue, and keep channels of dialogue open, even when challenges arise.
«Looking at the practical matters – cooperation in Africa, development and the economy, bilateral relations, culture, but also at our roles in the international community – I would say it was very important for us to be here today. This simply shows that we stand together,» he concluded.
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