Portugal shows "strong displeasure" at U.S. decision to cut personnel at Lajes airbase

Portugal strongly opposed the United States' decision to cut personnel at the Lajes military airbase in the Azores archipelago on Wednesday, according to Portuguese news agency Lusa.

"The Portuguese delegation had the opportunity to reiterate its strong displeasure for the decision taken and to transmit, in global terms, principles regarding the U.S decision, namely labor, infrastructure and environment matters, and the efforts to mitigate socioeconomic effects," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday night.

It is the first time for Portugal to formally debate the future of the Lajes airbase with the North American authorities at a meeting held in Portuguese capital Lisbon after the United States announced on Jan. 8 that it would gradually reduce the number of Portuguese employees from 900 to 400 this year.

The United States also plans to reduce the number of American civilians and soldiers from 650 to 165.

According to the statement, the future of the airfield will continue to be debated again "shortly."

Both countries will also enhance bilateral consultations to present "labor, infrastructure and compensation" matters to the Azores archipelago where the military airfield is based. Endit