Portuguese president defends strong relationship between U.S., Portugal

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Wednesday highlighted the role of the Azores islands as a "door for Europe" and defended the strong relationship between the United States and Portugal.

"It is important to note that, whatever the path the world takes, geography doesn't change. The Atlantic ocean will continue to link the United States of America and Portugal, and the Azores will always be the first door for Europe in the north Atlantic," Rebelo de Sousa said Wednesday at a conference in Lisbon on Portugal and the United States.

The conference took place at the Superior Institute of Political and Social Sciences.

Rebelo de Sousa said both countries were "partners and allies, and should never forget that they are, whether in times of peace and calmness or in times of greater challenges."

Portugal earlier this month congratulated Donald Trump for being elected the next president of the United states, with the Foreign Ministry saying it is optimistic about bilateral relations.

Rebelo de Sousa has also congratulated Trump, wishing him success. However he also has said he is weary of economic protectionism, amid fears by the international community that Trump could rip up trade agreements. Endit