The President of the Government stated in Tulare, California, that the Azores are a "land of opportunities," challenging Azorean descendants of second and third generation to discover an archipelago they only know from what was told by their parents and grandparents.

"We are entering a new phase in the relation with emigrant communities. The main issue that arises concerns the way how we can maintain the relation between the Azores and these communities without the feeling of longing and the ties to the homeland. This was the driving force in the relation that was kept between those who left and went abroad, and the Azores," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke on Thursday during a meeting with the Azorean community living in Tulare, an event that gathered nearly half a thousand people.

"Today, the second and third generations do not have the same knowledge of the Region as their parents and grandparents had," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. On the same day, it was announced that the date of August 28 will now mark the Azorean Heritage Day in this Californian city.

For the President of the Government, "there are conditions to strengthen the relation" between the Region and its emigrant communities. In this regard, he stressed that the Azores are now "a land of opportunities," particularly in emerging areas such as sea exploration, marine sciences and the development of the tourism sector. The archipelago is also "a gateway to Europe" due to its geostrategic position.

For this reason, the President of the Government mentioned that "under the pretext of knowing their roots, second and third generations will have the opportunity to become acquainted with a modern Region that is proud of its accomplishments and relies on emigrant communities to continue this task."

In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro highlighted the role played by California Congressman of Azorean descent, Devin Nunes, in what he considers to be a "coalition of friends of the Azores."

"This coalition has been vital to demonstrate to the members of the U.S. Congress who value the relation with Portugal and the Azores that this relation still holds. In fact, it is getting stronger and has the conditions to bear fruit in the future," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government alluded to the action of Devin Nunes in the Lajes Air Base process as well as to the efforts undertaken by other congressman elected by California, including David Valadão and Jim Costa.

"The Government of the Azores takes great pride in its emigrant communities," Vasco Cordeiro stressed, adding that his visit to California is intended to "honour" the Azorean communities and those of Azorean descent residing in this state.

"We are here to celebrate the heritage of the Azores, but also the future of the Azores," the President of the Government said, highlighting "the attachment to 'Azoreanity' that unites us all."