Portuguese American Journal

FLAD | U.S. Legislators of Portuguese descent gather in Lisbon – Portugal

The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) is hosting the 9th edition of the Legislators’ Dialogue on June 30 and July 1 in Lisbon, bringing together 20 elected officials of Portuguese descent from across the United States.

This annual bipartisan gathering convenes U.S. legislators serving at both the federal and state levels to deepen ties with Portugal and strengthen the political, economic, and cultural bonds between the two nations. 

Presided over by FLAD President Nuno Morais Sarmento, the 2025 edition will have the participation of high-level Portuguese leaders, including President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, and Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Executive Director of the Oceano Azul Foundation. 

Over two days, participants will engage in strategic discussions with Portuguese counterparts, explore collaborative opportunities in education, business, and cultural exchange, and reaffirm their commitment to preserving the rich heritage that connects both countries. It will also feature the presentation of a new study, “An American Dream in Portuguese: Second Generation and Beyond.” 

The event provides a unique platform for Portuguese-American legislators, from states such as California, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and others, to engage directly with Portuguese leaders across government, business, and civil society.

The initiative aims to foster meaningful dialogue, enhance bilateral cooperation, and generate innovative approaches to support and empower Portuguese-American communities across the United States, including working sessions on key topics such as ocean sustainability, the energy transition, and Portugal’s democratic history. 

More than 52 elected officials of Portuguese descent serve in the U.S. Congress and in state legislatures. Since its inception in 2015, the FLAD  Legislators’ Dialogue initiative has worked to promote bilateral, bipartisan cooperation. 

PAJ/Staff

Source: flad.pt

 

The Luso-American Development Foundation was established on May 20, 1985, through the approval of Decree-Law No. 168/85 by the Portuguese government. Its creation was a direct outcome of the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support. One significant aspect of this agreement was the continued U.S. presence at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) is a grant-making organization dedicated to funding initiatives to promote scientific and cultural exchanges between Portugal and the United States. Programs and partnerships, such as Study in Portugal Network (SiPN), established in 2015, provide North American students with academic opportunities in Portugal. The program has facilitated the participation of over 1,800 American students in programs across Lisbon’s top universities.

Follow Us

facebook twitter

Advertisement

Advertisement




Archives