PORTUGAL CONSIDERING GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS

UNCLAS LISBON 001289 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT EAID ECIN ECON EFIS MARR MASS MCAP MOPS PHSA, PINS, PREL, SMIG, SENV, SNAR, ASEC SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONSIDERING GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS REF: SECSTATE 50488 ¶1. Poleconoff and Naval Attache delivered reftel points regarding Global Maritime Partnerships (GMP) to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, which are considering possible key areas for participation. GOP interlocutors currently have no suggestions for GMP activities. ¶2. COMMENT: Portugal is already a "global maritime partner" in many respects, regularly participating in PHOENIX EXPRESS exercises and information sharing via the Automatic Identification System (AIS) with the USN Sixth Fleet. Portugal is also host to the Maritime Analysis and Operations Center - Narcotics (MAOC-N),which coordinates the activities of seven European countries (with US liaison) for interdiction of narcotrafficking throughout the eastern Atlantic. However, Post experience with GOP maritime authorities is that they are generally welcoming of USG maritime initiatives but are not quick to agree to or comment on prospective changes in how our countries work together. It is likely that substantive GOP response will be forthcoming only in reply to detailed proposals. Stephenson