Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises “central role of Azores” during meeting with President of the Republic
José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises “central role of Azores” during meeting with President of the Republic
Presidência do Governo Regional
National Platform for Seafood Cuisine “reinforces national presence” in terms of blue economy, says José Manuel Bolieiro
National Platform for Seafood Cuisine “reinforces national presence” in terms of blue economy, says José Manuel Bolieiro
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Redução do ISP entra em vigor a 1 de abril e atenua impacto do aumento dos combustíveis nos Açores face ao continente
Redução do ISP entra em vigor a 1 de abril e atenua impacto do aumento dos combustíveis nos Açores face ao continente
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Ultrapassadas metas do PRR para a cibersegurança e transição digital
Ultrapassadas metas do PRR para a cibersegurança e transição digital
Nota de Imprensa
March 25, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises “central role of Azores” during meeting with President of the Republic The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, was received today by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, at an audience for the exchange of greetings at the Belém Palace. Both leaders met in an atmosphere of institutional rapport and openness to dialogue. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the importance of establishing relations with the new Head of State based on trust and cooperation. He offered institutional greetings and expressed his “confidence” in the fulfilment of the presidential mandate, emphasising the full willingness of the self-governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to collaborate with the Presidency of the Republic. Among the various matters discussed, José Manuel Bolieiro presented to the President of the Republic a document setting out the Azores’ main strategic priorities in the context of their relations with Portugal, the European Union, and the transatlantic and global spheres. The President of the Azorean Regional Government highlighted the existing understanding with the central authorities, particularly with the National Government, drawing attention to matters currently under consideration, as well as the importance of a future revision of the Finance Act for the Autonomous Regions. European integration was also one of the key topics under discussion. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the status of the Outermost Regions as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, calling for its “maintenance and enhancement” in the future multiannual financial framework. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the importance of direct relations between the Azores and the European institutions, namely the European Commission. Regarding international affairs, the Atlantic dimension of the Azores was highlighted, with the Region being recognised as Portugal’s strategic outpost in the Atlantic. The President of the Azorean Government mentioned the Region’s contribution to matters such as ocean sustainability within the framework of the United Nations, and also addressed bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in relation to the Lajes Air Base and other infrastructures on the archipelago. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Azores in major global transitions, namely the climate, energy and digital transitions. He also emphasised the potential of renewable energy sources and energy self-sufficiency on each island, as well as the strategic importance of infrastructures such as the CAM Ring (Mainland Portugal-Azores-Madeira), which is essential for the Region’s connectivity and technological development. In terms of development, the head of the Azorean Government stressed that the Azores are both a region in need of support and a territory of opportunities, particularly in the areas of the blue economy, the space economy, and the digital and technological economy. One of the most significant points was the President of the Republic’s decision to mark Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day on June 10 on the island of Terceira. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this choice represents a clear recognition of the importance of the Azores in the national and international context. “This decision confirms Portugal’s full Atlantic identity and recognises the Azores as a strategic asset for the country, with geopolitical and geostrategic value,” he said. The President of the Azorean Government defended that the archipelago now plays an increasingly central role in transatlantic dynamics, not only due to its location but also due to its contribution in areas such as security, science, space and the sea. “The Azores are not on the sidelines; they are at the heart of things. They are an Atlantic hub that lends scale, depth and significance to Portugal,” he emphasised. José Manuel Bolieiro also noted that this reality must be fully acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, highlighting the Azores’ contribution to stability and security in the Atlantic region. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of linking the celebrations to the global reach of Portuguese communities, as reflected in the choice of Luxembourg, pointing out that this decision projects the image of Portugal as a global nation. He concluded by assuring the full willingness of the Azorean Government to collaborate in the organisation of the June 10 celebrations, emphasising that the Region will host the event with responsibility, pride and dignity.
March 25, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises “central role of Azores” during meeting with President of the Republic The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, was received today by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, at an audience for the exchange of greetings at the Belém Palace. Both leaders met in an atmosphere of institutional rapport and openness to dialogue. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the importance of establishing relations with the new Head of State based on trust and cooperation. He offered institutional greetings and expressed his “confidence” in the fulfilment of the presidential mandate, emphasising the full willingness of the self-governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to collaborate with the Presidency of the Republic. Among the various matters discussed, José Manuel Bolieiro presented to the President of the Republic a document setting out the Azores’ main strategic priorities in the context of their relations with Portugal, the European Union, and the transatlantic and global spheres. The President of the Azorean Regional Government highlighted the existing understanding with the central authorities, particularly with the National Government, drawing attention to matters currently under consideration, as well as the importance of a future revision of the Finance Act for the Autonomous Regions. European integration was also one of the key topics under discussion. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the status of the Outermost Regions as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, calling for its “maintenance and enhancement” in the future multiannual financial framework. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the importance of direct relations between the Azores and the European institutions, namely the European Commission. Regarding international affairs, the Atlantic dimension of the Azores was highlighted, with the Region being recognised as Portugal’s strategic outpost in the Atlantic. The President of the Azorean Government mentioned the Region’s contribution to matters such as ocean sustainability within the framework of the United Nations, and also addressed bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in relation to the Lajes Air Base and other infrastructures on the archipelago. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Azores in major global transitions, namely the climate, energy and digital transitions. He also emphasised the potential of renewable energy sources and energy self-sufficiency on each island, as well as the strategic importance of infrastructures such as the CAM Ring (Mainland Portugal-Azores-Madeira), which is essential for the Region’s connectivity and technological development. In terms of development, the head of the Azorean Government stressed that the Azores are both a region in need of support and a territory of opportunities, particularly in the areas of the blue economy, the space economy, and the digital and technological economy. One of the most significant points was the President of the Republic’s decision to mark Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day on June 10 on the island of Terceira. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this choice represents a clear recognition of the importance of the Azores in the national and international context. “This decision confirms Portugal’s full Atlantic identity and recognises the Azores as a strategic asset for the country, with geopolitical and geostrategic value,” he said. The President of the Azorean Government defended that the archipelago now plays an increasingly central role in transatlantic dynamics, not only due to its location but also due to its contribution in areas such as security, science, space and the sea. “The Azores are not on the sidelines; they are at the heart of things. They are an Atlantic hub that lends scale, depth and significance to Portugal,” he emphasised. José Manuel Bolieiro also noted that this reality must be fully acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, highlighting the Azores’ contribution to stability and security in the Atlantic region. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of linking the celebrations to the global reach of Portuguese communities, as reflected in the choice of Luxembourg, pointing out that this decision projects the image of Portugal as a global nation. He concluded by assuring the full willingness of the Azorean Government to collaborate in the organisation of the June 10 celebrations, emphasising that the Region will host the event with responsibility, pride and dignity.
Nota de Imprensa
March 24, 2026 National Platform for Seafood Cuisine “reinforces national presence” in terms of blue economy, says José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Azorean Government chaired today the launch of the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine, a joint initiative of AHRESP –Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Services of Portugal and the Regional Government of the Azores, as part of the memorandum of understanding signed in February during the BTL - Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market. At the ceremony, held at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the choice of the Region as the headquarters for this National Platform “is a tribute to an entire country. It recognises the Azores and the Azoreans as central to its cultural identity, with the maritime identity that the Region itself embodies.” For the head of the Azorean Government, the Platform is “further evidence of a national presence” in terms of the “blue economy” centred on the Azores, the local products related to the sea and the “significance of the Azores for the country in terms of identity and territory.” The National Platform aims to enhance, develop and promote seafood products, whilst preserving culinary traditions and encouraging sustainable practices. Among the initiatives to be developed under this Platform are the creation of an itinerary of restaurants specialising in local seafood, the promotion of culinary experiences such as workshops and themed dinners, and the “Live Cooking Restaurant” concept, which will be rolled out to other municipalities and islands across the Azores. “We are not reducing either the gastronomic experience or the Azores to this single area. The Region has many other areas where it is competitive, such as cheese and meat. However, being the national hub for the "seafood cuisine" platform is, above all, about offering visitors a rewarding experience of the sea and local produce,” he explained. José Manuel Bolieiro defended that the tourism industry is not built solely on promoting a tourist destination or its facilities, but also on providing the right conditions to offer visitors an unforgettable experience that makes them want to return, with gastronomy contributing to this perception. In view of the opportunities created by the National Platform, the President of the Regional Government called on local authorities to “develop, in partnership with businesses operating in their territories, this aspect of promoting regions and local quality.” The conference launching the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine was attended by the President of AHRESP, Carlos Moura; the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral; and the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, who delivered a presentation on “Seafood in the Azores.” The memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Azores and AHRESP was signed in February by the President of the Azorean Government and the President of that national association, Carlos Moura. Beyond the creation of the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine, an initiative that places the sea at the heart of the Azores’ culinary, tourism and cultural identity, this protocol aims to bolster the regional strategy for the development and promotion of authenticity, sustainability and the enhancement of marine resources. It also seeks to promote the sea as an economic, cultural and identity-defining asset.
March 24, 2026 National Platform for Seafood Cuisine “reinforces national presence” in terms of blue economy, says José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Azorean Government chaired today the launch of the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine, a joint initiative of AHRESP –Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Services of Portugal and the Regional Government of the Azores, as part of the memorandum of understanding signed in February during the BTL - Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market. At the ceremony, held at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the choice of the Region as the headquarters for this National Platform “is a tribute to an entire country. It recognises the Azores and the Azoreans as central to its cultural identity, with the maritime identity that the Region itself embodies.” For the head of the Azorean Government, the Platform is “further evidence of a national presence” in terms of the “blue economy” centred on the Azores, the local products related to the sea and the “significance of the Azores for the country in terms of identity and territory.” The National Platform aims to enhance, develop and promote seafood products, whilst preserving culinary traditions and encouraging sustainable practices. Among the initiatives to be developed under this Platform are the creation of an itinerary of restaurants specialising in local seafood, the promotion of culinary experiences such as workshops and themed dinners, and the “Live Cooking Restaurant” concept, which will be rolled out to other municipalities and islands across the Azores. “We are not reducing either the gastronomic experience or the Azores to this single area. The Region has many other areas where it is competitive, such as cheese and meat. However, being the national hub for the "seafood cuisine" platform is, above all, about offering visitors a rewarding experience of the sea and local produce,” he explained. José Manuel Bolieiro defended that the tourism industry is not built solely on promoting a tourist destination or its facilities, but also on providing the right conditions to offer visitors an unforgettable experience that makes them want to return, with gastronomy contributing to this perception. In view of the opportunities created by the National Platform, the President of the Regional Government called on local authorities to “develop, in partnership with businesses operating in their territories, this aspect of promoting regions and local quality.” The conference launching the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine was attended by the President of AHRESP, Carlos Moura; the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral; and the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, who delivered a presentation on “Seafood in the Azores.” The memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Azores and AHRESP was signed in February by the President of the Azorean Government and the President of that national association, Carlos Moura. Beyond the creation of the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine, an initiative that places the sea at the heart of the Azores’ culinary, tourism and cultural identity, this protocol aims to bolster the regional strategy for the development and promotion of authenticity, sustainability and the enhancement of marine resources. It also seeks to promote the sea as an economic, cultural and identity-defining asset.
Nota de Imprensa
March 25, 2026 Redução do ISP entra em vigor a 1 de abril e atenua impacto do aumento dos combustíveis nos Açores face ao continente O Governo dos Açores reduz, a 1 de abril, quarta-feira, o Imposto sobre Produtos Petrolíferos e Energéticos (ISP), em resposta à subida dos preços dos combustíveis. No plano nacional, desde o início do mês até à data, os preços subiram 24,9 cêntimos na gasolina sem chumbo 95 e 46,9 cêntimos no gasóleo simples. Com esta intervenção do Governo Regional, a subida do preço dos combustíveis nos Açores será de apenas 6,9 cêntimos por litro na gasolina e 12 cêntimos nos gasóleos, isto é, cerca de um quarto dos aumentos verificados a nível nacional até à data. O Governo dos Açores demonstra assim a sua vontade e capacidade para estar ao lado dos açorianos nos momentos mais desafiantes, neste caso em concreto num contexto de forte instabilidade nos mercados internacionais, agravada pelo conflito no Médio Oriente.
March 25, 2026 Redução do ISP entra em vigor a 1 de abril e atenua impacto do aumento dos combustíveis nos Açores face ao continente O Governo dos Açores reduz, a 1 de abril, quarta-feira, o Imposto sobre Produtos Petrolíferos e Energéticos (ISP), em resposta à subida dos preços dos combustíveis. No plano nacional, desde o início do mês até à data, os preços subiram 24,9 cêntimos na gasolina sem chumbo 95 e 46,9 cêntimos no gasóleo simples. Com esta intervenção do Governo Regional, a subida do preço dos combustíveis nos Açores será de apenas 6,9 cêntimos por litro na gasolina e 12 cêntimos nos gasóleos, isto é, cerca de um quarto dos aumentos verificados a nível nacional até à data. O Governo dos Açores demonstra assim a sua vontade e capacidade para estar ao lado dos açorianos nos momentos mais desafiantes, neste caso em concreto num contexto de forte instabilidade nos mercados internacionais, agravada pelo conflito no Médio Oriente.
Nota de Imprensa
March 25, 2026 Ultrapassadas metas do PRR para a cibersegurança e transição digital A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Direção Regional das Comunicações e Transição Digital, ultrapassou as metas definidas ao abrigo do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), no âmbito do Centro de Competências de Cibersegurança dos Açores (CCC Açores). Deste o início da sua atividade, em fevereiro de 2024, o CCC Açores interveio junto de mais de 160 entidades dos setores público e privado, reforçando a resiliência digital na Região, através da promoção de boas práticas, do cumprimento de requisitos legais e da preparação para certificações em cibersegurança. Deste modo, o CCC Açores, integrado na rede de Centros de Competências em Cibersegurança (C-Network), tornou-se o primeiro dos sete centros existentes no país, não só a cumprir, como a ultrapassar as metas estabelecidas, antecipando o prazo estipulado, inicialmente previsto para 31 de março de 2026. Este Centro resulta de um consórcio formado pelo Governo Regional, pela Câmara do Comércio dos Açores, pela Associação de Municípios da RAA e pela Universidade dos Açores. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional, Artur Lima, “o modelo de governação adotado nos Açores é uma aposta ganha, como evidencia o número de ações e o número de entidades envolvidas desde o início”. “A Região está hoje mais preparada para enfrentar os desafios da transição digital e os perigos das ameaças cibernéticas”, sublinhou. Entre as iniciativas desenvolvidas pelo CCC Açores, destaca-se o foco na sensibilização para a conformidade regulatória, nomeadamente a transição para a Diretiva NIS 2, bem como a avaliação do nível de maturidade organizacional com base no Quadro Nacional de Referência em Cibersegurança (QNRCS). Paralelamente, o Centro desenvolveu, em parceria com a C Academy, uma ação direcionada ao sistema educativo regional, envolvendo 39 unidades orgânicas, com o objetivo de identificar percursos formativos em cibersegurança para diferentes perfis profissionais, dando especial atenção aos docentes. Em dezembro de 2025, foi promovido um Tabletop Exercise (TTX), na ilha Terceira, que visou simular a resposta a incidentes cibernéticos em setores críticos como saúde, energia, forças de segurança, transportes e administração pública. Este exercício permitiu testar capacidades de resposta, reforçar mecanismos de coordenação interinstitucional e identificar oportunidades de melhoria nos planos de reação. “Todas estas iniciativas demonstram a relevância deste Centro para os Açores, estando em evidência o conhecimento estratégico que gera e as suas mais-valias para a definição de políticas eficazes de segurança e de resiliência digital”, salienta Artur Lima. O CCC Açores foi criado no âmbito do instrumento 73/C19-i03/2023 do PRR nacional, com uma dotação de 382.297,55 €.
March 25, 2026 Ultrapassadas metas do PRR para a cibersegurança e transição digital A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Direção Regional das Comunicações e Transição Digital, ultrapassou as metas definidas ao abrigo do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), no âmbito do Centro de Competências de Cibersegurança dos Açores (CCC Açores). Deste o início da sua atividade, em fevereiro de 2024, o CCC Açores interveio junto de mais de 160 entidades dos setores público e privado, reforçando a resiliência digital na Região, através da promoção de boas práticas, do cumprimento de requisitos legais e da preparação para certificações em cibersegurança. Deste modo, o CCC Açores, integrado na rede de Centros de Competências em Cibersegurança (C-Network), tornou-se o primeiro dos sete centros existentes no país, não só a cumprir, como a ultrapassar as metas estabelecidas, antecipando o prazo estipulado, inicialmente previsto para 31 de março de 2026. Este Centro resulta de um consórcio formado pelo Governo Regional, pela Câmara do Comércio dos Açores, pela Associação de Municípios da RAA e pela Universidade dos Açores. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional, Artur Lima, “o modelo de governação adotado nos Açores é uma aposta ganha, como evidencia o número de ações e o número de entidades envolvidas desde o início”. “A Região está hoje mais preparada para enfrentar os desafios da transição digital e os perigos das ameaças cibernéticas”, sublinhou. Entre as iniciativas desenvolvidas pelo CCC Açores, destaca-se o foco na sensibilização para a conformidade regulatória, nomeadamente a transição para a Diretiva NIS 2, bem como a avaliação do nível de maturidade organizacional com base no Quadro Nacional de Referência em Cibersegurança (QNRCS). Paralelamente, o Centro desenvolveu, em parceria com a C Academy, uma ação direcionada ao sistema educativo regional, envolvendo 39 unidades orgânicas, com o objetivo de identificar percursos formativos em cibersegurança para diferentes perfis profissionais, dando especial atenção aos docentes. Em dezembro de 2025, foi promovido um Tabletop Exercise (TTX), na ilha Terceira, que visou simular a resposta a incidentes cibernéticos em setores críticos como saúde, energia, forças de segurança, transportes e administração pública. Este exercício permitiu testar capacidades de resposta, reforçar mecanismos de coordenação interinstitucional e identificar oportunidades de melhoria nos planos de reação. “Todas estas iniciativas demonstram a relevância deste Centro para os Açores, estando em evidência o conhecimento estratégico que gera e as suas mais-valias para a definição de políticas eficazes de segurança e de resiliência digital”, salienta Artur Lima. O CCC Açores foi criado no âmbito do instrumento 73/C19-i03/2023 do PRR nacional, com uma dotação de 382.297,55 €.
Nota de Imprensa
March 25, 2026 Regional Government and the State of Maranhão open Azores Square and Memorial in São Luís historic centre The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, and the Governor of the State of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão, have opened the new Azores Square and the Azorean Memorial, located in the historic centre (Praia Grande) of São Luís, Brazil. The ceremony marked the State of Maranhão’s tribute to the Azoreans who, over 400 years ago, made a decisive contribution to the founding and settlement of that city. During his speech, Paulo Estêvão expressed deep emotion at the new urban development, thanking the project for “capturing the Azorean spirit so perfectly.” The government official recalled the resilience of the first settlers who, hailing from nine isolated islands discovered in 1427, crossed the Atlantic to explore new lands, establish agriculture and fishing, and spread their deep faith, particularly through the Holy Spirit. "Wherever the Azoreans went – and they went to many places – they had the resilience to clear the land and make it productive," the Regional Secretary said, praising the strong presence and success of the diaspora scattered across the globe. The new space, developed by the Metropolitan Executive Agency (Agem) in collaboration with Azorean representatives, serves as a hub for promoting history, tourism and leisure. The Azores Square features a Memorial (museum), an inscription on the pavement containing the names of the nine islands, a gateway bearing the names of the Azoreans who helped found the city – such as Simão Estácio da Silveira, who led the migration of families in 1615 – and ten artistic panels, in clay with incisive bas-relief, created by Eduardo Sereno, depicting the journey and legacy of this island people through the play of natural light. Governor Carlos Brandão emphasised that the project fills a long-standing gap in the recognition of the capital’s origins: “Today, we pay this tribute to do justice to the people who came here and helped us found our island of São Luís.” He added: “This tribute was long overdue for the Azoreans who settled in the Desterro region and who are now represented.” The ceremony, also attended by Raphael Aragão, President of the House of the Azores of Maranhão, was an opportunity to strengthen future institutional ties. On the occasion, Paulo Estêvão also paid tribute to all the dedication and hard work carried out over the years by Paulo Matos, founder of the House of the Azores in that northeastern region of Brazil and its Honorary President. Paulo Estêvão assured the Government of Maranhão that the Autonomous Region is fully available and committed to strategic cooperation: “Wherever there are Houses of the Azores, we will be at the service of Maranhão; wherever our institutions are in the European Union, we will be at the service of the State of Maranhão.” The Regional Secretary ended by extending an official invitation to Governor Carlos Brandão to visit the archipelago, assuring him that “he will always have a friend in the Azores” and that the Azorean people, renowned worldwide for their hospitality and sense of gratitude, would warmly welcome the delegation from Maranhão.
March 25, 2026 Regional Government and the State of Maranhão open Azores Square and Memorial in São Luís historic centre The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, and the Governor of the State of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão, have opened the new Azores Square and the Azorean Memorial, located in the historic centre (Praia Grande) of São Luís, Brazil. The ceremony marked the State of Maranhão’s tribute to the Azoreans who, over 400 years ago, made a decisive contribution to the founding and settlement of that city. During his speech, Paulo Estêvão expressed deep emotion at the new urban development, thanking the project for “capturing the Azorean spirit so perfectly.” The government official recalled the resilience of the first settlers who, hailing from nine isolated islands discovered in 1427, crossed the Atlantic to explore new lands, establish agriculture and fishing, and spread their deep faith, particularly through the Holy Spirit. "Wherever the Azoreans went – and they went to many places – they had the resilience to clear the land and make it productive," the Regional Secretary said, praising the strong presence and success of the diaspora scattered across the globe. The new space, developed by the Metropolitan Executive Agency (Agem) in collaboration with Azorean representatives, serves as a hub for promoting history, tourism and leisure. The Azores Square features a Memorial (museum), an inscription on the pavement containing the names of the nine islands, a gateway bearing the names of the Azoreans who helped found the city – such as Simão Estácio da Silveira, who led the migration of families in 1615 – and ten artistic panels, in clay with incisive bas-relief, created by Eduardo Sereno, depicting the journey and legacy of this island people through the play of natural light. Governor Carlos Brandão emphasised that the project fills a long-standing gap in the recognition of the capital’s origins: “Today, we pay this tribute to do justice to the people who came here and helped us found our island of São Luís.” He added: “This tribute was long overdue for the Azoreans who settled in the Desterro region and who are now represented.” The ceremony, also attended by Raphael Aragão, President of the House of the Azores of Maranhão, was an opportunity to strengthen future institutional ties. On the occasion, Paulo Estêvão also paid tribute to all the dedication and hard work carried out over the years by Paulo Matos, founder of the House of the Azores in that northeastern region of Brazil and its Honorary President. Paulo Estêvão assured the Government of Maranhão that the Autonomous Region is fully available and committed to strategic cooperation: “Wherever there are Houses of the Azores, we will be at the service of Maranhão; wherever our institutions are in the European Union, we will be at the service of the State of Maranhão.” The Regional Secretary ended by extending an official invitation to Governor Carlos Brandão to visit the archipelago, assuring him that “he will always have a friend in the Azores” and that the Azorean people, renowned worldwide for their hospitality and sense of gratitude, would warmly welcome the delegation from Maranhão.
