The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations expressed his satisfaction with the recognition of a "strategic convergence" between the Government of the Azores and the World Council of Houses of the Azores (CMCA) regarding the role of these institutions in the Diaspora, which was embodied in conclusions of the 18th General Assembly of CMCA, held in Montreal, Canada.

"This recognition encourages us to continue with this path of partnership in deep respect for the autonomy of the Houses of the Azores," Rodrigo Oliveira said, ensuring that the Regional Government will follow "the strategic line of close relation with the Houses of the Azores."

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke Saturday, on behalf of the President of the Government, at the closing session of the 18th General of the General Assembly of CMCA. The meeting's conclusions underline "the importance of the strategic convergence between the Regional Directorate for Communities and the Houses of the Azores regarding the role of the Houses of the Azores. In this regard, the government official praised the support provided by the Regional Directorate to the World Council of Houses of the Azores and to the Houses of the Azores, while respecting the autonomy of each institution."

Assessing the works of the annual meeting of the Houses of the Azores, Rodrigo Oliveira also emphasised the importance of involving young Azoreans and young people of Azorean descent in the Houses of the Azores, which he considered essential "to ensure the continued relevance of their action."

In this regard, the government official announced the organisation of a specific course for young people working at the Houses of the Azores and who are part of their governing bodies.

"It is a training course that will allow them to have a direct contact with our reality and learn what the Azores are today, a place full of opportunities and potential. They will also have the opportunity to know young Azoreans and be closer to the culture of their parents and grandparents," said the Regional Under Secretary.

The Social support to first-generation emigrants was another topic highlighted by Rodrigo Oliveira, a concern that is also included in the conclusions of the meeting. The latter states that, given the ageing population trend and as a factor of inclusion and combating isolation, the Houses of the Azores should "take a responsible role," promoting social responses aimed at senior citizens of the Diaspora communities.

The Regional Secretary also stressed the "three days of very interesting discussions" that took place in the context of this General Assembly of the CMCA, praising the efforts in the preparation of this meeting by the House of the Azores of Quebec, headed by Benjamin Moniz.

Rodrigo Oliveira took the opportunity to express the wish that, in a "very near future", the World Council of the Azores houses may grow from 13 to 15 members with the accession of institutions representing the Azorean communities of Bahia and Bermuda.