Italy and Portugal have a long history of relations given the proximity between both nations.

[2] In September 1861, Portugal recognized King Victor Emmanuel III of the united Kingdom of Italy.

[1] In 1946, the last Italian King, Umberto II of Italy, fled to Portugal where he remained for 37 years.

During World War I, Portugal remained neutral, however, in 1916 it became an associated member to the allied forces (which included Italy).

Both nations are members of the European Union and work closely together on numerous issues.