France’s president visited Portugal today and left a message in the book of honour at the Palace of Belém, Lisbon, noting “the profound friendship between the two peoples during these difficult circumstances through which France is living."
François Hollande said that France and Portugal "share the same values of freedom and the same vision of Europe."
Hollande met Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, for about 30 minutes before a working lunch at which they were joined by Portugal’s Prime Minister, António Costa.
At the press briefing, standing on a special step to make him look taller beside Portugal's president, Hollande called for a strengthening of security in Europe to ensure the maintenance of the values of freedom and democracy.
"Under the new impetus that we intend to give the European project, the first priority is the protection, security and defence of our borders," said Hollande.
"There is currently a higher duty that we must fulfill: to protect Europeans, it is my duty and our responsibility," said the French president whose trip to Portugal has been shortened, and all the razzmatazz cancelled, due to the recent mass killing in Nice.
Hollande cancelled a significant chunk of an European tour designed to stir up trouble for the UK as it negotiates its Brexit.
He postponed meetings scheduled for Wednesday in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic but kept his appointment in Lisbon and next will be heading to Ireland.
