"Lajes Base Interpretation Centre is a firm step towards better decision-making and action, now and in the future," says Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, presided over the opening of the conference "Lajes Base Interpretation Centre - Visions of the Future" on Tuesday, which took place at the Capitães Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo.

The Vice-President of the Government began by recalling the cultural and social influence of Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island and the Azores since its establishment in 1941.

"The creation of the Lajes Base marked the beginning of a series of structural and cultural changes that continue to this day. For many, it meant an opportunity for social mobility. And for others, it stimulated economic activity," he said.

For the Vice-President, this military infrastructure "was and is for everyone a source of a connection that goes far beyond cultural and economic exchange."

"The way we think about our role in the world is largely defined by the existence of the Lajes Base," he stressed.

In this regard, Artur Lima highlighted "its crucial importance for achieving autonomy, and for that reason, its main source of funding," adding that "it is in the strategic interest of the Azores and the existence of the Lajes Base that Portugal is a founding member of NATO."

The Vice-President of the Government also highlighted the current relevance of the Base as an asset for Portugal, the USA and NATO, as well as its importance not only in times of war but also in times of peace.

“At a time of global reconfigurations and rapid geopolitical and technological developments, it seems clear to me that Lajes Base continues to play this central role,” he stressed.

Highlighting the archipelago's enduring central position in the Atlantic, Artur Lima stated that "it is the Azores that give Portugal its Atlantic projection, forming Europe's western frontier." In this context, "they will continue to be essential for security and defence in the Euro-Atlantic area."

This regional projection "is embodied not only by location but also by what the Azores can hold in terms of prospects," stated the Vice-President.

According to him, this context "will have to prove advantageous for regional and local development." For this reason, the "Lajes Base Interpretation Centre is a strategic initiative for Terceira Island and the entire Region."

The Lajes Base Interpretation Centre will enable us to "preserve our history and identity by deepening our knowledge of the social, economic and cultural transformations" that stemmed from Lajes Base, he said.

The dissemination of the knowledge produced will pave the way for "new forms of development and economic growth," he stressed.

“Learning about the relevance of Lajes Base to the role of the Azores in the Atlantic and in the world throughout history is to establish an enlightened and participatory position open to dialogue,” noted Artur Lima.

"Thinking about the global projection of the Azores in this new strategic scenario of accelerated dynamics is a firm step towards better decision-making and action, now and in the future," he said.

The Vice-President defended that "it is FLAD's responsibility to support this project," seeing that "it exists, as proven documentally and financially, due to the Lajes Base Agreement."

The event consisted of three sessions, each dedicated to a specific sub-theme.

The first, presented by Dr Pedro Ventura, addressed "Air Power in the Azores: from World War II to the 21st century challenges."

The second session, presented by Professor Luís de Andrade, focused on "The Azores and International Relations: a reflection." This was followed by the presentation "Lajes Base Interpretation Centre: the state of the art," delivered by Armando Mendes, who also moderated the ensuing debate. 

The closing session was led by Luís Garcia, President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, who chaired the conference.