The President of the Government considered today that the recognition of the Azores as part of a national strategy based on knowledge, research and innovation by Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education is a very positive fact.
 
"I believe the national recognition of the Azores under a  strategy on knowledge, research and innovation is very positive,"                                                said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke in Ponta Delgada after receiving in audience the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor.
 
This hearing has identified, between both Governments, a clear and objective strategy for the national recognition of the Azores in several areas, particularly with regard to the Sea, stressed the President of the Government.
 
"We had the opportunity to address the issue regarding the installation of Ocean Observation Centre in the Azores, which is included in the National Government's programme," Vasco Cordeiro added, stressing the added value the Azores may generate in the space and energy fields,  and even in the context of the relations between Europe and the United States.
 
"Emphasising that this has been the main concern in terms of permanent coordination with the Government of the Azores, we are available and interested in contributing to this strategy," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
This meeting also addressed the issue regarding the University of the Azores. In this context, the President of the Government conveyed to the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education the attention that should be given to the specific characteristics of the Azores; the latter can become an important strategic development field for the sustainability of the institution.
 
"From this perspective, the Ministry of Higher Education should take into consideration the care that should be taken with the University of the Azores, not only for what it has represented for the Azores but, above all,  for the potential it holds for the country in the development of areas such as the study of the sea, climatology and Volcanology, among others," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
For the President of the Government, all this can be achieved with the financing that will provide the University with the conditions to ensure its development. The financial support should allow the institution to carry out its activities with the necessary resources that will guarantee its sustainability.