Portugal and the United Kingdom signed bilateral cooperation agreement

The Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa signed on 13th June a statement with his British counterpart Boris Johnson which provides, among other initiatives, a new bilateral defence agreement and a new convention to avoid double taxation, strengthening cooperation in the fight against organised crime and the validation of professional qualifications.

"We have signed this joint declaration, which is fundamental for us, after Brexit, to relaunch the world's oldest alliance," the Portuguese prime minister said to the Press outside number 10 Downing Street. António Costa stressed that this agreement should be the most "comprehensive" ever signed by the United Kingdom with an EU member state after Brexit.

“This agreement", stated António Costa "organises bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Portugal" and will now be worked on by the ministers who oversee the various sectors covered. It is a framework agreement parallel to the Brexit one but "complying with the rules" of Brexit, the Portuguese prime minister stressed, emphasising that, although it is the seventh or eighth agreement that the UK has established with other member states, "none has been in such extensive areas". Such as "security, criminal investigation, defence, foreign policy and cooperation, investment, trade, scientific research, education and the protection of Portuguese people living in the UK and British people living in Portugal", António Costa described to journalists.

While the text is not specific to the extent of regulating issues such as visas and permits to work, study, and reside in the two countries, it does stipulate: "The interchange of people and ideas is at the heart of our partnership and should be valued and supported." A commitment that stems from the "strong ties" between the two countries: "First and foremost, through the significant communities of our diasporas, but also encompassing joint research projects, close relations in higher education, business connections and significant tourism flows."

Portugal and the UK pledge to continue to "work together as part of a wide network defending freedom and democracy, free trade, human rights and the rule of law". Such values are reinforced in the common participation in organisations such as NATO, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Interpol and the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as in the commitment to the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter.

In the areas of defence, security, law enforcement and criminal justice a new bilateral defence agreement is expected to be signed; joint exercises and exchange of military personnel; cooperation in maritime security and conflict zones; enhanced cooperation "in the specialised areas of organised crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism and cybercrime; sharing of experience and good practice, including through possible cooperation/training protocols between Portuguese and British special police forces." To which is added the "exchange of criminal and non-criminal information" as well as on "immigration, arms, ammunition and explosives".

In the area of "connecting people", a "closer" cooperation between the two countries is foreseen in education and vocational training, with the reinforcement of the "validation of professional qualifications"; the promotion of "international mobility, interchange and cooperation in education, science and culture sectors"; the promotion of bilingual education - with the British Council in Portuguese public schools and the Camões Institute in linguistic and cultural cooperation in the United Kingdom.

In the sectors of foreign policy, cooperation, and development, the two countries commit themselves to "strengthening peace and security in Europe and in the European neighbourhood" with support for Ukraine and in response to Russian aggression" and "resilience against other malign and hostile actors in the international community", to having "inclusive and comprehensive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific", and to supporting economic growth in Africa. To which they add the "promotion of a strong climate and environment policy", and "diversity and inclusion".

In the areas of trade, investment, supply chains and employment, the two countries have pledged to conclude a new convention to avoid double taxation and "trade and investment opportunities will be identified and knowledge and expertise in priority sectors such as sustainable growth, renewable energy, green financing, the digital economy and technology" will be shared; AICEP will work "more closely" with the Department for International Trade; support the relationship between business confederations, chambers of commerce and business associations of both countries.

In the area of science, innovation, technology and research, there is a compromise to "promote relations between Portuguese and British research institutions" on topics such as emerging technologies, renewable energy, climate, life sciences and health. Opportunities for research and innovation programmes will be explored and it will also seek to "position science as an engine for growth and employment, through cooperation in the settlement of research to the market and in the pursuit of commercial objectives".

The joint statement also recalls that on 10th July, the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty signed in Tagilde will be commemorated. This was the first act in the treaty of the Portuguese-British alliance that still governs diplomatic relations between the two countries today.