José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Regional Government's partnership with Armed Forces - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received today the new Azores Operational Commander of the Azores, Lieutenant General César Paulo da Silva Rodrigues, at an audience for the exchange of greetings. 

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the Lieutenant General's knowledge of the archipelago, highlighting his previous experience at Air Base No. 4 in Lajes and his involvement in various military and scientific initiatives.

He emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Regional Government and the Armed Forces, considering them "true partners" in protecting and supporting the population in several areas.

"We have true partners in the Portuguese Armed Forces in the Azores," Bolieiro said, acknowledging the fundamental role played by the military in the three Armed Forces branches in security and defence missions as well as in civil protection and collaboration with the population.

José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised the strategic importance of the Azores in the national and European context, calling for a reinforced military presence in the Region.

"The future imposes new challenges of repositioning, given the dimension that the Azores add to the country and the European Union by sea and air. And the security and defence issues that all this entails," he stressed.

Lieutenant General César Paulo da Silva Rodrigues brings a wide range of experience to the position, having led Air Base No. 4 between 2016 and 2018, where he was involved in important evacuation, search and rescue missions, as well as liaising with U.S. forces.

He has also served in the Portuguese Parliament as Military Advisor to the Parliamentary Committee on National Defence for the last three years.