José Manuel Bolieiro calls for creation of "Atlantic strategic alliance" with Cape Verde - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the formal session commemorating 50 years of Cape Verde's independence, which took place in the Main Hall of the Angra do Heroísmo City Council, a ceremony marked by the symbolism of Atlantic friendship and fraternity between island peoples.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the importance of the moment, also emphasising the 50 years of Portuguese democracy.

"Celebrating 50 years of Cape Verde's independence is also a source of celebration for us, at a time when Portugal is marking five decades of democracy. We share history, but also the future," he stressed.

The President of the Government evoked the common identity that unites the two peoples, rooted in island life and universal values.

"At the heart of our identity lies our island experience. We live in the world, on our nine islands and the ten islands of Cape Verde, and we have spread across five continents. I salute Cape Verdeans around the world, with special regard for those who have chosen our islands as their home," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised the geostrategic importance of the Azores and Cape Verde in the Atlantic context, calling for a shared vision for the future.

He emphasised: "We have a privileged Atlantic location. We can and must, in partnership, build logistics platforms for the Atlantic Portuguese-speaking world, creating value based on our island geography. It is a matter of talent, strategy and ambition."

The ceremony also included moments of tribute to the Cape Verdean diaspora, recognising their resilience and active contribution to their host societies.

One of the most significant moments was the speech delivered by António Neves, a nurse at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island and a native of Cape Verde, who was invited as the keynote speaker.

During the session, a commemorative stamp was also launched, presented by Fátima Albergaria, Director of CTT (Portuguese Postal Service) in the Azores, and António Armindo Couto, President of the Angra do Heroísmo Philatelic Society.

The event was attended by several official entities and diplomatic representatives, including the Mayor of Angra do Heroísmo, Álamo Meneses, the Minister of Investment Promotion and Business Development of Cape Verde, Eurico Monteiro, the Honorary Consul of Cape Verde in the Azores, Guilherme Bettencourt, and the President of the Board of the FraterUne association – "The Fraternity that Unites Us," António Cambim.

The solemn session further strengthened the close ties and cooperation between the Azores and Cape Verde, clearly demonstrating the desire to deepen the historical, cultural, and strategic bridges uniting these two sister archipelagos in the Atlantic.