"Contributing to others’ security is an assurance of ours"

Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa noted the excellent example and contribution given by the Portuguese Air Force military on mission in Lithuania to the security of all the Atlantic Alliance Member States.

"Every contribution made to others’ security is an assurance that others will contribute to ours", said António Costa during his speech to the contingent housed at Šiauliai air base in Lithuania, where the respective F-16 fighter and P-3 watch aircraft are stationed.

The Portuguese participation in the Baltic Sea air policing mission "is a good demonstration of the importance" given by Portugal to taking part in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),  he said, adding that the country "must be highly active in the tasks it carries out" under the Atlantic Alliance framework.

António Costa said these military are "an outstanding example for the Portuguese men and women on the role of the Armed Services in the service of the country".

The Prime Minister is in Lithuania with the Minister of National Defence Helena Carreiras to attend the NATO Summit on 11 and 12 July.