José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores' “strategic importance” on 33rd anniversary of COA - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the celebrations marking the 33rd anniversary of the Azores Operational Command (COA), where he highlighted the Region’s strategic role and the Armed Forces' contribution to national security and cohesion.

“The Azores are today a key geostrategic platform for Portugal and Europe,” he stated, defending that this reality must be matched by a “vision, investment and consistent presence of the State.”

The head of the Azorean Government expressed his gratitude to the Azores Operational Command, headed by Lieutenant General César Paulo da Silva Rodrigues, highlighting “the professionalism, dedication and sense of duty of the military and civilian personnel serving there.”

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the long-standing partnership and mutual trust between the Region and the Armed Forces.

"They are natural partners of the Azores, playing a key role in security, protecting the territory and supporting the local population," he said, adding that "in a scattered and island territory such as ours, their work takes on even greater importance."

In this regard, he defended that this cooperation should continue to be strengthened, “as a factor in national cohesion and shared security.”

In the same context, José Manuel Bolieiro received the Chief of General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces, General João Cartaxo Alves, at an audience held at the Santana Palace. This meeting strengthened institutional coordination and highlighted the Azores' role in the national and Atlantic contexts.

The head of the Azorean Government also expressed his appreciation to General João Cartaxo Alves, highlighting his leadership and knowledge of the Azorean context.

“The Azores’ location in the Atlantic is a strategic asset for Portugal that should be harnessed and developed jointly,” he concluded.