The President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, congratulated today U.S. congressmen of Azorean descent Devin Nunes for his appointment as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, emphasising his "invaluable role" in the context of the alliances and relations between the USA and ally countries, such as Portugal.

"This appointment, which also brings greater responsibility, is a clear recognition by his peers and House members for his strong commitment, participation and interest in all matters pertaining to the defence of the United States and protection of its people, as well as for his leadership capacity in such delicate matters," says Vasco Cordeiro in the message sent to Devin Nunes.
 
In this message, the President of the Government also expressed his appreciation for the joint work that has been developed in recent years "to reinforce and improve the bilateral relations between Portugal and the USA, in which the Azores and Lajes Air Base continue to be a key pillar for our common goals in the future."

"I am proud, as President of the Regional Government and as an Azorean citizen, to see an Azorean descendant holding such a prominent position in U.S. public offices," added Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government noted that this appointment symbolises the path followed by the Azorean community in the USA and the obstacles that many Azorean emigrants and Azorean descendants had to overcome over time.

In the end of his message, Vasco Cordeiro sent Devin Nunes his best wishes for success in his new office, restating his and the Regional Government's willingness to "cooperate in all matters of common interest in the future."