Speech by the President of the Government - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada, at the opening session of the V Atlantic Centre Maritime Security Course:

"Welcome to the Azores.

It is with great pleasure that the Autonomous Region of the Azores welcomes another initiative from the Atlantic Centre, the Maritime Security Course, now in its fifth edition.

Admiral Nuno de Noronha Bragança, distinguished coordinator of the Atlantic Centre,

Honourable Secretary for the Malvinas Islands, South Atlantic and Antarctica of the Government of the Republic of Argentina, Paola Di Chiaro, it is an honour to welcome to the Azores a representative of the government of a country of such importance to the Atlantic Ocean as Argentina,

Commander of the Azores Maritime Zone, Commodore Paulo Jorge Conceição Lopes, representing the Chief of the Portuguese Naval Staff, 

Distinguished Participants in the V Atlantic Centre Maritime Security Course,

The Atlantic is home to the Azores. Nine islands, scattered across 600 km in the middle of the ocean, form the basis of a community, a people who, over the last six centuries, have established their own unique identity, the result of the island's close ties with the sea.

Our sea connects us to the world. It provides us with part of the income that fuels our progress. For this reason, we consider it one of our greatest assets, a heritage that we will continue to preserve.

Therefore, it is on its defence – the military protection that ensures our sovereignty – and its management – the management of marine resources that contribute to economic and social development – that we must focus on in times of uncertainty regarding the international order and respect for international law.

This meeting, promoted by the Atlantic Centre in partnership with prestigious international institutions, represents a fundamental milestone in joint reflection on the challenges that climate change poses to maritime security in the Atlantic area.

Portugal is a country with one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world, and the Azores play a decisive role in this maritime and Atlantic dimension of our country. Our geostrategic location in the middle of the North Atlantic is not only a geographical feature but also a responsibility that we take seriously in the face of the global challenges we face.

Climate change now poses a multidimensional threat encompassing political, legal, economic and security risks. Its cross-border nature underlines its status as a real threat requiring a coordinated and comprehensive response from all Atlantic countries.

In the Azores, we are particularly aware of this reality, as we directly face extreme weather events and changes in marine ecosystems.

The Government of the Azores has led significant efforts to protect marine resources through the Blue Azores Programme and the expansion of the Network of Marine Protected Areas. We do so based on solid scientific evidence and in close collaboration with all sea users.

At the same time, we have strengthened our maritime surveillance capabilities through strategic partnerships with the Navy and the National Maritime Authority, using advanced monitoring systems to ensure the protection of our waters.

This course, which begins today, represents a unique opportunity to strengthen capabilities and promote solutions to reinforce respect for international law in the maritime context. Maritime security is not only a matter of defence but also of sustainable development and environmental protection.

I am certain that the discussions that will take place here over the next few days will significantly contribute to a shared vision of the challenges we face and the solutions we must implement. The destruction of the oceans and maritime insecurity would have devastating impacts not only on the Azorean economy but on all coastal communities in the Atlantic.

The future of our seas depends on our ability to cooperate and our determination to protect this vital resource for humanity.

The political aspect of managing and protecting the oceans is not a national issue. It requires the international community to share responsibilities, with particular emphasis on coastal states, in promoting their security.

My final words are addressed to the Coordinator of the Atlantic Centre. Admiral, the fact that the Portuguese Government has decided to host the Atlantic Centre on Terceira Island is, in our view, a clear sign of Portugal's commitment to the policy for the protection of the Atlantic Ocean, both in terms of military security and in terms of environmental protection and climate change mitigation.  

I would also like to highlight the association of 22 Atlantic coastal states, from the Arctic to Antarctica, with this goal of ensuring a clean and safe ocean.

The Atlantic Centre's close ties with my Government also represent the importance of the involvement of regional authorities in building international cooperation processes, which are essential to the pursuit of common goals among members of the international community.

I wish you all a fruitful and enriching course while reiterating the Azores‘ commitment to being an active and responsible partner in protecting the Atlantic and promoting maritime safety in the face of climate change challenges."