The President of the Government of the Azores said the visit of the President of the Government of the Canary Islands, which begun today, is very important in the bilateral relations between both regions as well as in context of Macaronesia and the European Union.
 
"This is a relevant visit at various levels. First, on a bilateral level, it is important to explore and strengthen cooperation and exchange between the Canary Islands and the Azores "in areas such as transport and trade," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
On the first day of Fernando Clavijo Batlle's visit, at Vasco Cordeiro's invitation, the President of the Government of the Azores added this official visit is also important tin the context of Macaronesia insofar as the Azores and the Canary Islands are two of the regions that belong to this geographic space.
 
"I believe it is possible to further assert this importance by creating the conditions to provide a new stimulus to the Declaration of Mindelo, signed in 2010," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
In the context of the European Union, Vasco Cordeiro reminded that the Canary Islands will take over the presidency of the Conference of Presidents of Outermost Regions, stressing the existence of a series of European challenges in the near future.
 
"We are already working in the post-2020 scenario, taking into account the very specific challenges that arise in the Cohesion Policy. In addition to the contacts already established, this visit is another opportunity to better coordinate positions that will further strengthen us in the areas of common interest," said the government official.
 
Fernando Clavijo Batlle and Vasco Cordeiro visited today Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant, Gorreana tea factory and Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre.
 
On Monday, the visit programme includes a meeting between the Presidents of the Governments of the Azores and the Canary Islands, a meeting between both Governments and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both Regions.