Strengthening defence in the CPLP gains priority given the risks in Portuguese-speaking regions

"Strengthening the defence scale in the CPLP gains relevance and strategic priority for national defence policy given the risks faced by the Portuguese-speaking regions, which must be peaceful, and given the deterioration in security in the geopolitical contexts where the CPLP is integrated", claimed the Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo.

Nuno Melo gave a speech at the closing session of the Felino 2024 exercise held in Portugal. It engaged around 200 military personnel from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea Equatorial, East Timor, and Portugal.

The Minister noted that the CPLP defence component has evolved significantly over the last few years, through practical examples of military cooperation, multinational capacity-building, and interoperability increases.

"With another Felino exercise we have achieved two major gaols: claiming credibility for the CPLP international projection and strengthening the CPLP Armed Forces’ capabilities to partake in peace-keeping missions, humanitarian aid, and crisis management within the CPLP and the United Nations", he added.

Nuno Melo further stated that military personnel from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries partaking in the Felino 2024 exercise renews hope in strengthening the ties of cooperation between these countries.

Felino

The Felino 24 exercise was held at the Marines’ School Facilities in Vale de Zebro, Barreiro, at Air Base 6 in Montijo, and in the Alcochete firing range, also in Montijo, with the aim of preparing a General Staff for a Joint and Combined Task Force.

The military exercises in the Felino series aim to increase training and interoperability of the CPLP States’ Armed Forces in peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions led under the United Nations.

The ceremony counted on the Chiefs of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Portugal, Angola, and East Timor.