The Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro classified as “a historical occasion” Portugal’s election to non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, noting that this outcome represents international recognition of the country’s credibility, diplomatic capabilities, and foreign action.

“This Victory dignifies Portugal and showcases us to the world. Portugal is a credible country and one with international intervention and participation”, he claimed.

Portugal was elected for the first time in the first round to the United Nations Security Council, where the country was competing for one of the available seats with Germany and Austria.

According to Luís Montenegro, this outcome demonstrates the international recognition of the Portuguese foreign policy and its capacity for diplomatic mobilisation based on dialogue, cooperation, and multilateralism.

The Prime Minister thanked the work done by the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, the Presidents of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and António José Seguro, as well as the Portuguese diplomatic network and Ambassadors that participated in the international campaign.

“Portugal is a country that builds bridges”, he stated, stressing that Portuguese foreign policy favours dialogue, negotiation, diplomacy, and multilateralism as fundamental instruments to face the global challenges, solve conflicts, and promote people’s rights and dignity.

According to Luís Montenegro, this universalist vocation was decisive for the Portuguese application’s success and will also be the Foundation of the national action during its term in the Security Council.

The Prime Minister noted that Portugal now has added responsibility in promoting international peace and security, upholding the values of human dignity, fundamental rights, sustainability, international cooperation, and fighting poverty.

Among the priorities of the Portuguese action, he likewise stressed the strengthening of international cooperation, ocean protection, sustainable development, and enhancing the United Nations and the privileges space for dialogue between peoples and nations.

Luís Montenegro considers that Portugal is initiating this term during one of the most demanding international contexts of the last few decades, set by multiple conflicts and challenges to the international order, upholding the need to boost the United Nations’ capacity to foster solutions, reconcile positions, and contribute to global stability.

The Prime Minister also claimed that Portugal will contribute to enhancing and modernising the organisation, reinforcing the UN’s role as an international cooperation instrument for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

“We shall take on this responsibility from minute one”, he guaranteed.

At the end of his statement, Luís Montenegro reiterated his thanks to all those who contributed to the Portuguese application’s success and considered this election represents another demonstration of Portugal’s capacity to stake its international influence through credibility, cooperation, and the defence of the humanist values that have set its external action.