Luis Montenegro argues that investment in defense and security will bring returns to the economy. Visiting the Portuguese military in Romania, the head of the Government confirmed the intention to bring forward the 2% target in defense spending.
The Prime Minister defended this Friday that “words of comfort” for the military are not enough and highlighted the measures already taken by the of appreciation in human resources and equipment in this sector, during the traditional Christmas visit to the troops.
For around two hours, Luís Montenegro was with more than two hundred Portuguese soldiers from the Detached National Forces (FND) in Romania this Friday who are part of the NATO mission in this country, which borders Ukraine.
Accompanied by the Minister of National Defense, Nuno Melo, by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGFA), General Nunes da Fonseca, and by the Chief of Staff of the Army (CEME), General Mendes Ferrão, the Prime Minister did not He referred in his speech to the Russian attacks that hit six diplomatic missions in Kiev this Friday, including Portugal’s, and also did not give statements to the media.
In his speech before the Christmas snack with the military, the head of government preferred to praise the competence of the FND, but argued that “words of comfort” for these soldiers are not enough.
“We need to do something, within our power, to also value the condition of those who carry out this mission. This Government, in just over eight months, has already taken several decisions that value and qualify the military condition” , he said.
On the other hand, he highlighted, the Government has “aligned a set of investments with military leaders” to enhance technological capacity and military equipment.
“Our presence here today [sexta-feira]mine and Mr. Minister of National Defense, expresses our sense of close relationship and our sense of appreciation for their representation of everyone’s interest”, he added, at a time when “it is even harder to be away from family and friends”.
The head of government recalled that, as the founding country of NATO, Portugal has “increased responsibility” in the defense and security mechanisms of the Atlantic Alliance, in missions like this one in Romania or the Central African Republic, praised on several occasions.
Previously, CEMGFA also thanked the 241 soldiers who make up Romania’s FND and the presence of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense in Caracal.
“We, the military, see this as a unique opportunity for recognition, by the highest government authorities, of our work. How can we reciprocate? As we have always done, with great professionalism, with great availability and a great sense of cooperation with the Romanian and multinational forces that are in this country”, he said.
Wearing a camouflage jacket, the prime minister arrived at the Caracal base at 3:20 pm, in a program that included military honors, a parade of forces on parade, an overview of the mission in Romania and a celebratory snack with the Portuguese military.
The 6th Detached National Force arrived in Romania last week, in a mission that will last until July, and is made up of 200 soldiers (181 men and 19 women), the majority from the Portuguese Army.
One of them is First Sergeant Maria Gomes, 40, who was in Caracal with the 1st FND in Romania, in April 2022, and has now returned again.
“As I enjoyed the first experience, I returned to have the opportunity to work with other NATO allied forces again”, he explained, speaking to journalists.
Regarding the presence of Montenegro and Melo, he assured that “they are always welcome”, especially at a time like Christmas.
At Christmas time, Montenegro handed over to the various forces at the base in Caracal, including Romanian and North Macedonian soldiers, Vista Alegre trays representing the prime minister’s official residence.
Since 2022, Portugal has been part of NATO’s ‘Enhanced Vigilance Activities’ mission in Romania, which aims to affirm the cohesion and determination of the members of the Atlantic Alliance and increase the readiness of this organization, strengthening the deterrence capacity and demonstrating commitment to defense collective.
With LUSA
