The Higher Council for National Defence is the specific advisory body for matters relating to national defence and the organization, functioning and discipline of the Armed Forces and is chaired by the President of the Republic, who has the casting vote.
“Taking into account the current situation and possible developments, the President of the Republic has decided to convene a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense for Tuesday, April 16, at 6pm, at the Palace of Belém,” the Presidency of the Republic announced on its official website.
According to the National Defense Law, the High Council for National Defense has the following composition: Prime Minister; Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers of State, if any; Minister of National Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Internal Administration and Minister of Finance; Ministers responsible for the areas of industry, energy, transport and communications; Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; Representatives of the Republic for the Autonomous Regions; Presidents of the governments of the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira; President of the National Defense Commission of the Assembly of the Republic; Chiefs of Staff of the Navy, Army and Air Force; Two Members of the Assembly of the Republic;
The President of the Republic may, on his own initiative or at the request of the Prime Minister, invite other persons to participate, without the right to vote, in meetings of the Higher Council for National Defense.
The Council shall be secretariat by a general officer or other person of recognized merit, appointed and dismissed by the President of the Republic, after consulting the government.
Portuguese government condemns Iranian attack on Israel and calls for restraint
Portuguese ambassador in Tehran meets with Iranian MFA to explain ship incident
India asks Iran to guarantee safety of 17 Indians on captured Portuguese ship
Israel: Portuguese MFA reinforces travel warning in face of Iranian threats
