José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "centrality" of the Azores in "transatlantic cooperation" at Sister Cities Summit - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the "Sister Cities Summit," which runs until Friday in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD).

Promoted by FLAD in partnership with the Azorean Government, the event brings together more than 30 cities and municipalities on both sides of the Atlantic linked by twinning agreements. Over three days, institutional representatives and members of civil society from Portugal and the United States will work together to identify new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen existing networks.

"It is with great satisfaction that the Azores are hosting this historical meeting," the President of the Government stated, highlighting the symbolism of the Region as a point of convergence between continents, cultures and communities.

The summit aims to strengthen ties between Portuguese and North American cities through cooperation in areas such as culture, education, economics, science and innovation. Currently, there are around 60 twinning agreements between the two countries, reflecting a shared history fuelled by centuries of migration and exchange.

"Summit meetings such as this are indispensable platforms for strengthening relations between our cities and towns, through cooperation and friendship promoted by institutional twinning," emphasised the President of the Government.

The initiative also aims to revitalise historical ties and, simultaneously, build bridges for the future, based on a partnership between communities that share common values and challenges.

The head of the Regional Government praised the contribution of Azorean communities in the United States, highlighting how they keep traditions alive while establishing themselves in their host societies.

“American society has found a source of wealth in its diversity. The contribution of many Azoreans in a wide range of areas, from politics to science, deserves to be highlighted,” recalled José Manuel Bolieiro.

Quoting writer Onésimo Teotónio Almeida, José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that "the diaspora has shown that it is possible to be a community without territory," adding that the Azoreans, even far away, continue to be “neighbours and brothers,” as Vitorino Nemésio wrote.

In his speech, the President of the Government reiterated the geostrategic and cultural importance of the Azores in the relations between Portugal and the United States. He pointed out the Region's role as an "Atlantic connection platform" with growing potential in the fields of science, marine technologies, innovation and the blue economy.

"We want to highlight the opportunities available to us in sustainable exports, scientific cooperation in the Atlantic, renewable energy sources, sustainable tourism and digital technology," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

The President of the Government concluded his speech with a call for cooperation and the promotion of relations between peoples and territories: "Let us all continue to believe in good relations between peoples, regions and nations as the most valuable tool for building peace and, hence, progress."

The opening ceremony marked the official start of the "Sister Cities Summit," which continues with thematic sessions and bilateral meetings between participants. For the President of the Government, "the meeting in the Azores, between America and Europe, proved to be assertive," a space for meeting and strategic projection.

"I trust that we will welcome you with the splendour of our natural beauty and the courtesy of our close ties, which are also expressed in every event and every moment," he said.

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government