The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations challenged in Ponta Delgada young people from Outermost Regions to unite in building the future of Europe.
 
"I hope that Martinique, the Azores and other Outermost Regions will unite, above all through their youth," Rui Bettencourt said, stressing that "young people will shape Europe in the 21st century" and that they will have to "overcome numerous challenges."
 
Rui Bettencourt spoke to a group of students from Lycée General et Technologique Frantz Fannon (Martinique), who are visiting São Miguel Island as part of an exchange with students from Lagoa, Ribeira Grande and Nordeste schools.
 
The Regional Secretary stated that the Azores and Martinique are "fortunately" two of the youngest regions in Europe, given the high percentage of young people, representing "a huge potential in the future."
 
According to the government official, this visit is "very interesting," taking into consideration that youth may "bring opportunities of partnership" between the two regions in this area.
 
Rui Bettencourt also addressed the specificities of the nine islands of the Azores and their characteristics as an Outermost Region. In this context, he highlighted the "strong relations" shared by the Azores with the other eight Outermost Regions, such as Martinique. This regions also faces same problems in its daily life and at European level, where it is necessary to "score points" within the framework of Europe's regions.
 
"We have something else in common, which is our concern for the qualification of our young people," the government official stressed, highlighting "their extreme importance for the future" as these young people are beginning their lives and will be very active in the coming decades.