The President of the Government expressed confidence in the Region's ability transform the challenges arising in 2017 into development opportunities and progress for the archipelago.
 
"On this occasion, I would like to convey a great confidence in the ability we have, at various levels, to transform these challenges into opportunities and guide them in the right direction," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government spoke Friday at the New Year's Reception to consular representatives as well as to civil, military and religious authorities of the Azores. The event traditionally takes place at Santana Palace in Ponta Delgada on Epiphany Day.
 
On New Year's toast, Vasco Cordeiro stressed the need to become "aware that we are all responsible for overcoming the challenges arising in the future," thus calling for the contribution of "all players involved within their area of activity and their area of intervention."
 
For Vasco Cordeiro, 2017 is effectively a new year, since, from a political standpoint, the Regional Government open a new legislative period and the Legislative Assembly starts a new term.
 
"It will be also a year with so many important challenges arising in the European and global context that will be determinant to our future," said the government official.
 
The reception was attended by the Representative of the National Government for the Azores, Pedro Catarino, the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Ana Luís, the former President of the Government, Carlos César, and the U.S. consul in the Azores, Elizabeth Konick, among other civil, military and religious personalities.