The President of the Government stated in Angra do Heroísmo, that the visit of President of the Government of Madeira, which culminated with the signing of ten Cooperation Protocols and a Joint Declaration, was a starting point for a new stage in the relation between both regions.

"On this occasion, I would like to tell that it is a matter of satisfaction to mark not a conclusion, but rather a starting point of a new stage in the relation between the Azores and Madeira," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke Monday during the signing ceremony of the Cooperation Protocols and the Joint Declaration that took place in the end of a visit of the President of the Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, to the Region.

"This new stage is marked by what we have to say to each other, as it was evidenced by the protocols signed, than what we can say about us to others," said the President of the Government.

According to him, "some will consider that, given the terms of the protocols signed, the meeting did not produce any agreement on an eventual autonomic front and, therefore, we have fallen short of our goals."

"It is important to say that, on the part of the Regional Government, the outcome of this visit goes beyond initial expectations and the past record of contacts between both Governments," said Vasco Cordeiro.

With the signing of the cooperation agreements between both Governments, we are "building a more fraternal, stronger and closer union between the People of the Azores and Madeira," defended Vasco Cordeiro.