The President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, met with the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), António Costa, with whom he analysed the decision taken by the U.S. Administration to reduce the military and civilian contingent at Lajes Air Base, Terceira Island.

The meeting, held Monday in Lisbon, was also attended by the President of PS, Carlos César, and the socialist leader and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Portuguese Communities, Sérgio Sousa Pinto.

The meeting with António Costa was also intended to present the Regional Government's analysis on the U.S. decision, announced on January 8. The President of the Government also defended the actions that should be also taken by the National Government with determination in order to respond to this challenge and promote the economic revitalisation of Terceira Island.

The event took place after Vasco Cordeiro was received in audience by the President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, to whom he presented the Economic Revitalisation Plan for the Island of Terceira. The plan was prepared by the Government of the Azores over the last two years and should be publicly presented this week.

It comprises measures for the labour, economic, environmental and infrastructure components of Lajes Air Base, some of which will have to rely on the support of National Government for its implementation.