José Manuel Bolieiro attended FLAD's 40th-anniversary celebrations - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the opening ceremony of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) in Lisbon, which included the international conference "Breathing with the Ocean."

The meeting brought together various experts and leading personalities linked to ocean protection, including Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Executive Director of the Oceano Azul Foundation, Peter Heffernan, Ocean Ambassador and former CEO of the Marine Institute of Ireland, and Mark J. Spalding, President of the Ocean Foundation.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised FLAD's role in enhancing the Azores and strengthening cooperation between both sides of the Atlantic.

"FLAD has been a fundamental partner for the Azores, promoting transatlantic relations, boosting scientific and academic cooperation, and enhancing our cultural and economic potential. It is a solid bridge between the Azores, Portugal and the United States," he said.

The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised the strategic importance of the sea for the Azores and the country, saying: "The Portuguese sea, where the Azores represent 56% of the exclusive economic zone, makes us bigger than our territory."

He continued: "We are an international reference in the protection of the oceans and an active part in the sustainable development of this strategic dimension."

The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the President of FLAD, Nuno Morais Sarmento.