Vasco Cordeiro stressed in Sacramento the importance of "providing a new stimulus" to the twinning agreement that was signed between the Azores and California in 2002. The President of the Government highlighted the role that the Region may play in the context of the EU-USA Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Vasco Cordeiro spoke at the end of an audience with the President of the California Senate, Darrel Steinberg. The government official stressed that this meeting, held at the Capitol, "addressed several topics on important issues related to the twinning agreement between the Azores and California," with special emphasis on the "opportunity to provide a new stimulus to the agreement in order to meet the goals" stipulated when it was approved by both parties.

Therefore, the President of the Government mentioned the relevance of "presenting the opportunities brought by the Azores in various fields, not only in the traditional sectors, but also in cutting-edge sectors."

In fact, the EU-USA Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is an opportunity for the USA and the EU, which comprises the Azores, to reap benefits in terms of development and economic progress," said Vasco Cordeiro.

During the meeting, the President of the Government invited Senator Darrel Steinberg to visit the Azores and highlighted the "importance the Azores attach to the way how the communities residing in California have demonstrated their commitment towards the development and progress of the State."

In this context, Vasco Cordeiro highlighted "their work in various areas and in the field of economy." They have provided an important contribution to the development of California, thus being a "reference in this area, particularly with regard to the dairy industry."