Portugal's PM Montenegro Opens Consulate in Andorra, Signs Security Pact

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro visited Andorra yesterday, inaugurating the new Portuguese consulate general, signing a security cooperation agreement and addressing the local Portuguese community.

The visit began with the official opening of the consulate, which replaces diplomatic representation lost in 2012. Montenegro unveiled the plaque at the facility in Andorra la Vella, staffed by four officials. The consulate, created by decree in March 2024, is led by Consul General Duarte Pinto da Rocha, appointed in August and active since September. It responds to long-standing demands from the community, which previously relied on services in Barcelona or a honorary consulate. Montenegro described it as a "door open to Portugal," facilitating administrative contact, inquiries and consular support for residents, investors and others interested in Portugal.

Montenegro then met Head of Government Xavier Espot, followed by a joint press conference. They signed an agreement on internal security, enhancing technical collaboration and exchanges on crime prevention, border control, migration flows, civil protection, road safety and arms control. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor and Portuguese Ambassador José Augusto Duarte formalized the deal, adding to 15 existing bilateral accords covering social security, free movement, education and driving licences.

At a reception for around 100 Portuguese residents at Andorra Park Hotel, Montenegro urged the community—now about 8,500 strong, down from a peak of over 13,000 post-2008 crisis—to maintain ties with Portugal while contributing to both nations. He noted many have rooted here, reaching a third generation integrated across sectors including business, yet face high living costs prompting some returns amid Portugal's incentives and improved economy. Espot praised the group's generational contributions, stating Andorran identity would not exist without them, while defending the constitutional ban on dual nationality to preserve citizenship's political value in a small nation of 85,000 where nationals were once a minority.

Montenegro voiced strong support for Andorra's EU association agreement, warning it risks losing priority after a decade of EU investment. He anticipated unanimity at next week's Coreper meeting in Brussels, potentially finalizing the text for approval. Espot confirmed a referendum would follow European ratification, rejecting early calls as premature.

Espot announced Andorra's backing for Portugal's 2027-2028 non-permanent UN Security Council bid. Both leaders highlighted shared stances, including recognition of Palestine and Ukraine support, and eyed economic ties via human capital, technology and future business missions.

The trip, rescheduled from January due to storms in Portugal, builds on high-level exchanges like Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's 2022 visit, which promised the consulate. Bilateral relations date to an 1988 social security pact, evolving with Andorra's international recognition. This year, 192 students attend Portuguese classes at Lycée Comte de Foix, plus 138 elsewhere.