As our visit to Portugal 🇵🇹 draws to a close, we leave Lisbon with deep respect for a founding member of our Alliance and one of its most reliable, capable and committed Allies. From the mainland to the Azores and Madeira, Portugal is a natural bridge between Europe and North America, linking the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and our Southern neighbourhood. Today, that geography matters more than ever. Portugal's contribution goes far beyond geography: 🔹 Troops on NATO's Eastern Flank 🔹 Frigates with our Standing Maritime Groups 🔹 Jets protecting Allied skies from the Baltic to Iceland 🔹 Forces serving in KFOR It also hosts @STRIKFORNATO, the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre, the @NATO_NCIA Academy and two @NATO_DIANA sites, and through #REPMUS it has made Tróia Peninsula the world's leading laboratory for unmanned maritime systems. Next year, NRP D. João II will become Europe's first drone carrier. We commend Portugal's steadfast support to Ukraine 🇺🇦 and its clear path towards our Hague commitments. Investing in security is an investment in freedom, prosperity and peace. Yesterday at Forte do Bom Sucesso, we had the honour to pay tribute to the Portuguese men and women who gave their lives in the service of their country. Their sacrifice reminds us what our shared commitment truly means. Our office call with the Chief of Defence @EMGFA_PT and the Portuguese Armed Forces briefing at the Joint Command for Military Operations were a very fruitful exchange. We then visited @STRIKFORNATO and followed the #NEST26 activities. This morning, we took part in the Strategic Transformation Lab on European security at the Military University Institute, organized by the IUM and #cnnportugal followed by an office call with the Minister of Defence, H.E. Nuno Melo. Before departing, I was deeply honoured to receive the Medalha Cruz de São Jorge, 1.ª Classe, of the Portuguese Armed Forces General Staff, which I accepted on behalf of all the men and women who serve every day for peace and security. Obrigado for the warm hospitality. Stronger together. 🇵🇹🤝 #NATO #WeAreNATO #Portugal #StrongerTogether #SlavaUkraini