José Manuel Bolieiro defends Portugal's vision as "Atlantic country" - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, was the guest speaker at the conference "Autonomy and the Regional Government," held at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada, as part of the visit of the 49th National Defence Course 2024/2025 (CDN24/25) to the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

The event, organised by the National Defence Institute (IDN), was attended by a delegation led by Colonel João Assis Barbas, director of the CDN, and Colonel José Teixeira Leite, deputy director of the course, and 50 auditors from various sectors of the Portuguese society.

The head of the Azorean Government stressed the Azores' geopolitical and geostrategic importance for Portugal and the European Union, stressing the archipelago's fundamental role in the country's Atlantic projection.

"The Azores bring a new dimension to Portugal and the European Union, not only because of their strategic position in the Atlantic but also because of their contribution to security and defence in Europe," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

He also emphasised the importance of the Azores' sea and space in a global context, defending the vision of an archipelago country with an Atlantic border decisive for its international impact.

"Portugal must fully recognise itself as an Atlantic country, where the Azores are a relevant strategic asset, strengthening our role in the European Union and the world," he stressed.

Regarding regional autonomy, José Manuel Bolieiro defended that it does not weaken but rather enhances and adds value to the country, reiterating the Azores' contribution to national identity.

José Manuel Bolieiro also praised IDN's choice to include the Azores in the National Defence Course programme, acknowledging the archipelago's importance as a space for strategic debate and reflection on the country's security and defence.

The National Defence Course, annually organised by IDN, aims to foster dialogue between National Defence and civil society, addressing matters in Political Science, International Relations, Strategy, Economics, Security and Defence.