José Manuel Bolieiro highlights strategic role of the Azores in welcoming President of the Republic - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to the island of Flores on Friday. The President returned to the archipelago for a two-day official visit to the Western Group, at the invitation of the Azorean Government.

The visit began at Lajes das Flores Port, where the Head of State attended a technical presentation on the reconstruction project for this port infrastructure severely damaged by Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019.

The project, with an overall investment of more than €194 million, is one of the largest public works projects in the Region's recent history. It aims to ensure greater safety, efficiency and operational capacity in the island's maritime supply. The project includes the expansion of the main pier, the construction of a new 170-metre quay, a 40-metre logistics platform, and the upgrading of the energy, water and lighting networks. 

The President of the Republic also attended a technical session organised by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on the Flores Weather Radar, installed in Morro Alto.

Integrated into the National Weather Radar Network and funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under the Blue Hub – Infrastructure Network for the Blue Economy, this investment of about €4.9 million strengthens the scientific and operational capacity of the Azores in monitoring meteorological phenomena up to 300 kilometres away.

The head of the Azorean Government considers this presidential visit as "a gesture of closeness and recognition, which strengthens national cohesion and values the contribution of the Azores to the country."

José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that “Flores and Corvo are territories of the future, symbols of sustainability and Atlantic integration, which deserve the attention and respect of the State.”

Accompanying this visit are also the Representative of the National Government for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Pedro Catarino, and the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia.