Celebrating the world’s oldest alliance

Organised by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, The Portuguese Diaspora Council and the Portuguese Communities Council, the dinner welcomed as its guest of honour His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of the Portuguese Republic.

The Treaty of London, also known as the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Alliance, was sealed in St Paul’s Cathedral on the 16th of June 1373, between King Edward III of England and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal.

The Treaty of London was the ratification and expansion of the Treaty of Tagilde, which had been signed on the 10th of July 1372 in the village of Tagilde in northern Portugal, between King Ferdinand of Portugal and representatives of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the son of the English King Edward III.

These two treaties are considered to constitute the legal foundation of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, which is the world’s oldest continuous series of treaties and is still in effect to this day.

This historic by-invitation-only event was attended by just over 100 guests made up of members of the Portuguese Diáspora Council, members of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK and other business leaders from the UK and Portugal.

Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, highlighted the importance of the event:

“650 years ago, our two great nations signed the Treaty of London to strengthen alliances, promote peace, and foster friendship. Today, the values enshrined in this treaty still underpin the growing levels of business investment and job migration between the UK and Portugal, which are increasing year on year.”

On attending the event António Calçada de Sá, President of the Board at Portuguese Diaspora Council, said:

"First of all, I want to express all our gratitude for the presence and support of His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic to the Diaspora Council.

Our presence at this event and our commitment to reinforce and strengthen the purpose of the Diaspora Council is only possible due this institutional support and due to the energy of many Portuguese all around the world.

Yesterday we had 80 members. Today we are more than 150 members in over 30 countries on 5 continents. Our mission and purpose is to promote the best image on behalf of Portugal. "

The Treaty of London Dinner was supported by the Visabeira Group, MJ Quinn, Cerro Novo, DeliciasUK, Eversheds Sutherland and Savannah Resources.