The President of the Government received today the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, to whom he assured that he will continue to closely follow the Lajes Air Base process in order to defend the interests of the Azores in this process.

"The Government of the Azores would like to note the fact the first visit of the U.S. Ambassador to the national territory, after presenting his credentials, was to the Azores," said Vasco Cordeiro to journalists.

After the audience, the President of the Government considered the Ambassador's visit to the Region demonstrates that Robert Sherman is aware of the challenges that must be overcome, such as the Lajes Air Base process.

"It is important to note that Ambassador Sherman demonstrated its interest and commitment to contributing to the resolution of Lajes Air Base issue," said the President of the Government.

Vasco Cordeiro also added that he conveyed to Robert Sherman the Government's decision of closely following this process, particularly some measures that require special attention. In this regard, the government official stressed that the report that is being prepared by the U.S Department of Defence on the importance of European bases, which includes Lajes Air Base, is a "fundamental piece" in this matter.

"Following the debate on the legislation for the fiscal year 2014 at the U.S. Congress, the Regional Government is currently awaiting the report reassessing the situation of U.S. bases in Europe." The Region intends "to continue building, based on its conclusions, a balanced solution that dignifies and honours the diplomatic relationship between the United States and Portugal, through Lajes Air Base," stated the President of the Government.

"We have to be really careful and, above all, we must take a realistic approach in this process," stated Vasco Cordeiro. In this context, the government official reminded that despite the efforts undertaken by several organisations and Congressmen, some of whom are of Azorean descent, "United States of America only informed the Portuguese Government about their intention to reduce the U.S. military presence at Lajes Air Base."