"I have talked a lot about proximity and the GNR is a daily witness to this proximity with people feeling that its members are practically part of the family and that has a priceless value” the president explained before adding “the competences, prestige and international relevance” of the police force that frequently participates in international peace keeping forces.

Rebelo de Sousa had spoken from the control centre by videophone with some of the officers currently on such international missions and in this case on duty in East Timor.

The president, who was received with military honours, also received a briefing on the state of the GNR police force from its general commander before visiting the institution’s museum.