The Mediterranean: A new priority in Portuguese foreign policy

Not located in the Mediterranean basin but close enough in geographical, historical and cultural terms to be highly concerned about regional stability, Portugal has had the Maghreb and the question of Mediterranean security as major foreign policy concerns, particularly since the country's integration into the European Union. Bilateral relations with countries of the Maghreb have experienced considerable development as national interests in the region have grown. Participation in multilateral initiatives on the Mediterranean has been a priority for the Portuguese authorities who hope that these initiatives will lead to an integrated common policy, including defence and security dimensions.