The President of the Government was received Tuesday by the President of the Republic, who announced his decision to visit the Azores to take part in the Holy Christ of Miracles celebrations and, later on, in the celebrations of the Region's Day, which will take place on June 5.
 
"Following the invitation that the President of the Republic had already accepted to visit the Azores after the election period, he informed me about his decision to visit the Region. It will start on the Holy Christ of Miracles Day and will be followed by a visit that will cover as many islands as possible. Moreover, it will also include the celebrations of the Region's Day," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
At the end of the audience for the exchange of greetings, following the inauguration of the XII Government of the Azores, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that this meeting also allowed an exchange of views with the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on the economic, social and political situation of the Azores.
 
Asked about the approval of the State Budget for 2017, Vasco Cordeiro considered that "it is a good State Budget for the Autonomous Region of the Azores" since it fully complies with the Finance Act of the Autonomous Regions and "takes clear commitments in regard to some long-standing situations.
 
In this regard, the President of the Government pointed out as examples the commitment to the measures of the Economic Revitalisation Plan for Terceira Island, which was defined following the U.S. Air Force's decision to reduce its military personnel on this island, and the construction State infrastructures, such as the new prison establishment in Ponta Delgada; the latter "must solved urgently."
 
"These are two examples of several measures listed in the State Budget that will serve the Region. We welcome the fact that they were embodied in the document as result of the National Government's efforts and the proposed amendments," said Vasco Cordeiro.