Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100.
In a statement issued on December 29, President Rebelo de Sousa paid tribute to Carter’s significant contributions to democracy and human rights, emphasizing his “symbolic support” for Portugal’s democratic consolidation during the historic crucial period following the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
The Portuguese Presidency’s official statement highlighted Carter’s humanitarian legacy, noting his tireless efforts to promote human rights and peace worldwide. Rebelo de Sousa extended condolences to President Joe Biden, describing Carter as a global advocate for justice and compassion whose impact transcended borders. He underscored Carter’s dedication to these principles during and after his presidency, solidifying his legacy as a beacon of ethical leadership.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro joined the tributes, offering sympathies to Carter’s family, President Biden, and the American people. Montenegro hailed Carter as a “global moral reference for democracy and human rights,” emphasizing the enduring significance of his leadership and values.
In 2002, he became the third U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize, following Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
Carter’s Legacy and Portugal’s Democratic Transition
During Jimmy Carter’s presidency (1977–1981), the United States maintained a strong cooperative relationship with Portugal. This relationship was shaped by Portugal’s transition to democracy after the 1974 Carnation Revolution, which ended decades of authoritarian rule under Oliveira Salazar’s Estado Novo regime.
The Carter administration strongly supported Portugal’s democratization, praising it as a vital example for other nations undergoing similar transitions, particularly in Southern Europe, by providing financial and technical assistance to help stabilize Portugal’s economy, which the revolution and decolonization had significantly impacted. This support also played a critical role in ensuring Portugal’s alignment with Western democracies during the Cold War.
Strategic Cooperation and NATO Partnership
Portugal’s strategic importance as a NATO ally, particularly its control over the Azores Islands, was a cornerstone of the US-Portugal relationship during Carter’s tenure. The Azores served as a critical base for U.S. military operations, enabling strategic access across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean.
The Carter administration also worked to maintain Portugal’s pro-Western stance by providing military aid and ensuring that its armed forces remained compatible with NATO requirements.
President Carter visited Lisbon briefly during his presidency, on June 26, 1980, at the invitation of President António Ramalho Eanes. The visit, lasting about six hours, was very productive with meetings between the two presidents and Prime Minister Francisco Sá Carneiro.
His Presidency was marked by high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries, underscoring the importance of the alliance. The relationship remained robust, with both nations collaborating on shared goals of democratic stability and Cold War strategy.
Managing Decolonization and Regional Stability
Portugal’s decolonization process in Africa—particularly in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau—had profound implications for U.S. foreign policy. The Carter administration worked closely with Portugal, and other Western allies, to address the political and economic challenges of decolonization. This included countering Soviet and Cuban support for revolutionary movements in former Portuguese colonies which became battlegrounds in the Cold War. The partnership between the U.S. and Portugal during this period reflected a shared commitment to advancing democracy.
As Portugal’s leaders honor Jimmy Carter’s memory, they celebrate the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to shared values.
Honors and tributes
President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, December 29.
A State Funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, featuring a eulogy by President Joe Biden, culminating a week of ceremonies and tributes beginning on June 4. He will lie in state at the Carter Presidential Center until January 7.
Before departing for Washington, the former president will be honored at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Following this, there will be a funeral procession to the U.S. Capitol, where he will lie in state while members of Congress pay their respects until January 9. That day has been declared a federal holiday and a National Day of Mourning in his honor.
After the ceremonies in Washington, he will make his final journey home for a private funeral service at the Maranatha Baptist Church, followed by interment at the Carter family home.
Carolina Matos/Editor/Updated with corrections
