Academic background

• Degree in Economics - Universidade Técnica de Lisboa
• Postgraduate studies:
• European Economics
• “Legislative Process” - INA
• Public Finances and Budgetary Control
• Degree in Defence - Instituto de Defesa Nacional (National Defence Institute)

Professional Experience

• Member of the Court of Auditors
• Consultant

Academic Experience

• Visiting Professor at the Georgetown University

Political Experience

• Member of Parliament in the autonomous region of Madeira
• Member of National Parliament
• Secretary of State to the Minister for Internal Administration.
• Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
• National Secretary for International Relations of the Socialist Party and vice-president of the European Socialist Party.
• Member of the National Secretariat of the Socialist Party
• Minister for National Defence
• Minister of State and Foreign Affairs

Badges of Honour

• Badges of Honour from the Governments of Spain, France, Belgium, Greece, Argentina, Benin, Togo and Gabon.