Split, Croatia, Oct. 7, 2026 (Lusa) - Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted on Wednesday the «increasingly close relationship» with the United States, ahead of a visit to Portugal by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Speaking on his arrival at a summit of southern European Union countries in Split, Croatia, the prime minister, when asked whether he would explain to Rubio the impact that US foreign policy is having on prices and the cost of living for all Europeans, replied that there would be an opportunity to discuss many issues, including this one, but emphasised the strong ties between the two countries.

«We will have the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on all matters of global interest to the international community, including these, but also within the context of our bilateral relations,» he began.

Montenegro then emphasised that «the United States is a partner and an ally of Portugal in terms of security and defence, because we are both part of the same treaty and implement that treaty on a daily basis, the North Atlantic Treaty [NATO], but [also] a trading partner with whom trade is growing steadily, whether in industry, tourism or services.» «We have an increasingly close relationship with the United States. In fact, last week, while I was in New York, I had the opportunity to witness this first-hand, in the world's financial centre, the New York Stock Exchange, where many American businesspeople, and the chair of the stock exchange herself, told us that they have their eyes on Portugal and are interested in investing here,» he continued.

«We also have an increasing number of Americans living in Portugal: there are now more than 21,000 who are resident in Portugal. And so, all of this will be on the table and on the agenda for the discussion I will have with Secretary of State Marco Rubio,» he concluded.

US Secretary of State Rubio began a visit to Europe on Tuesday in Iceland, which will also take him to Greece on Wednesday and Portugal on Thursday. Officials have yet to disclose details of his itinerary, but it will include meetings with the prime minister and also with the foreign minister, Paulo Rangel.

ACC/ADB // ADB.

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