Lusitanian Forum

The Lusitanian Forum has established itself as the premier vehicle in the United States for regular, high level, discussion of current policy issues related to Portugal and U.S.-Portuguese relations. Portugal has become an increasingly important component of the European Union. A modern, stable and effective democratic system of government has been formed and the country now boasts on of the continent's most rapidly growing economies. The forum provides a constructive environment for the exchange of ideas and the promotion of democratic ideologies, especially as Portugal has become affiliated with the dynamic mainstream of wider international life. Finally, environmental concerns within both nations are producing an exchange of ideas and programs which are of particular interest.

The Lusitanian Forum's roundtable meetings bring qualified speakers from Portugal and the United States from a variety of entities including government, business, non-government organizations, academic institutions and cultural organizations, together with representatives of the U.S. policy community, leaders of industry, diplomats and other distinguished individuals for high-level discussions of issues in the Luso-American relationship such as the democratic process, economic programs and environmental concerns and initiatives.

During the course of recent years, the series of sessions held under its auspices have featured:

Prof. Dr. Aníbal Cavaco Silva
former Prime Minister of Portugal & current President of the Republic

H.E. Fernando Andresen Guimarães
former Portuguese Ambassador to the United States

Dr. José Ramos-Horta
1996 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace

Eng. Fernando Faria de Oliveira
former Portuguese Minister of Trade and Tourism

Dr. Vasco Jorge Valdez Ferreira Matias
Portugal's former Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs

Eng. José Lello
Portuguese Secretary of State for the Overseas Communities

Prof. Dr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister

Ms. Maria Echaveste
Assist. to the President & Director of the Office of Public Liaison at the White House

Honorable Everett Ellis Briggs
former United States Ambassador to Portugal

Senator Jack Reed
United States Senator from Rhode Island

Portugal possesses bilateral importance to the United States - both in economic and politico-security terms. The country's economy has become a far more interesting venue for trade and investment opportunities during recent years. Moreover, the ongoing U.S. military presence at the Lajes base in the Azores comprises one of the elements more integral to the landmark Cooperation and Defense Agreement signed between the two nations four years ago. And, the existence of the two-million Portuguese-Americans in the United States, with their unique Lusitanian perspectives, must be considered especially in regard to the future of the Luso-American relationship.