[centre][img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Coat_of_Arms_of_Albert_Edward%2C_Prince_of_Wales_%281841-1901%29.svg/794px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Albert_Edward%2C_Prince_of_Wales_%281841-1901%29.svg.png] [b]The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland[/b] [i]Prince Albert Edward's speech during a state visit to Portugal[/i][/centre] Rei e amigos, pessoas de Portugal! It is a delight to be here in your wonderful country. I have set foot in Lisbon with the aim of not only meeting the wonderful Portuguese people, whose hospitality can not be overstated, but also with the aim of building bridges. Together we have much to celebrate: the ancient ties between our people and our shared values that make us so much more than mere partners; the ancient ties that make us firm friends and equal partners. Since 1373 we have stood by one another's shoulders as faithful allies: together we successfully won an overwhelming victory against the invading Castillians during the Battle of Aljubarrota; together we guaranteed and protected Portugal's sacred independence in the Seven Years War; and together we battled against the seemingly invincible forces of Joseph Bonaparte and Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, where we brought upon them a crushing defeat in the Peninsular War. Within our alliance's many annals, however, regretfully lies times of lapses and isolation - times in which our nations where not as closely bound as they should have rightfully been. We have both experienced more than a fair share of turbulence between one another. It is indeed a painful legacy, and I have this to say: to all the people of Portugal who have suffered humiliation as a consequence of our troubled times, I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy. We realise that we have made some wrong choices, but what defines an alliance not only the friendly spirits in which we treat one another, but also the spirit of forbearance and most importantly of all, that of conciliation. I believe that although misgivings have arose, ours has still been a truly remarkable alliance; one whose bonds may be stretched but never broken. In my humble opinion, I believe it is only right to ensure that these bonds may never be strained again. It is our duty to ensure that they are only nourished from this day onwards. Having engaged in close discussions with your esteemed King, and reflecting deeply upon the thoughts of the ordinary Portuguese civilian, I have helped to craft a treaty in which the United Kingdom, having recognised its trespasses, vows to reimburse your nation for these misdeeds. It is an agreement that shall not only allow for the mistakes of the past to be compensated for, but shall allow for the friendship and affection between the United Kingdom and Portugal to grow anew into an unbreakable bond, as deserving of such ancient allies. Thank you, and may the Almighty God be with you all. --- [centre][img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom_%283-2_aspect_ratio%29.svg/320px-Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom_%283-2_aspect_ratio%29.svg.png] [img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Flag_Portugal_%281830%29.svg/320px-Flag_Portugal_%281830%29.svg.png] [b]The Treaty of Lisbon[/b][/centre] Whereas the ties between our nations have been lacking in recent years, and whereas the both His Majesty the King of Portugal and Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom are desirous of revitalising the ancient ties that bound the the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Portugal together, it has hereby been agreed as follows: Article I - The United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Portugal shall reaffirm each and every one of the articles within the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373, as signed between His Majesty King Edward III and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal, in that between our nations shall exist true, faithful, constant, mutual and perpetual friendships, unions, alliances, and needs of sincere affection, and as true and faithful friends we shall henceforth, reciprocally, be friends to friends and enemies to enemies, and shall assist, maintain, and uphold each other mutually, by sea and by land, against all men that may live and die. [indent]Section I - It is agreed that whenever any of the rights and interests of the United Kingdom and Portugal alike are in jeopardy, the two Governments will communicate with one another fully and frankly, and consider in common the measures which should be taken jointly to safeguard those menaced rights or interests.[/indent] Article II - Being fully satisfied with the alliance between the the Contracting Parties, and wishing to see Portugal as a strong ally of the British Empire, the Government of the United Kingdom shall embark upon creating stronger ties between the Royal Navy and the Marinha Portuguesa. The blueprints regarding the designs of Eclipse-Class Cruisers shall be divulged towards our ally in Portugal, and the Board of Admiralty and the Estado-Maior da Armada shall fully co-operate in hosting future military exercises. Article III - Inspired by her sincere friendship with Portugal, Her Majesty's Government shall reimburse the Kingdom of Portugal for the loss in regards to the lands transferred to the British Central Africa Protectorate from the Portuguese East Africa in 1890 A.D. Therefore, the United Kingdom shall engage to pay to the Portuguese Government the sum of £10,000,000 per annum for a period of ten years. Article IV - Should the Kingdom of Portugal find itself in the position of declaring bankruptcy, Her Majesty's Government declares itself willing to enter into negotiations with their Portuguese counterpart over the provision of a loan for their ally in order to rebalance the Portuguese economy. Article V - With the purpose of strengthening mutual understanding, exchanging experiences and becoming more familiar with the public and cultural life of of the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Portugal alike, both governments shall develop an active programme of cultural exchanges, and shall encourage and welcome direct links and visits between artists and performers. [b][X] - Sir Hugh Guion MacDonell, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to the King of Portugal and the Algarves [X] - His Royal Highness the Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and Earl of Dublin [X] - His Most Faithful Majesty Carlos I, King of Portugal and the Algarves[/b]