The President of the Government highlighted today the "competent and active" commitment of the National Government in implementing various projects and scientific investments in the Azores under the regional strategy to promote new areas linked to research and knowledge for job creation and wealth generation in the Region.
 
"I would like to emphasise the close and joint work that has been done between the Regional and National Governments on the implementation of strategic guidelines for these areas, namely the enhancement of our geostrategic position, the establishment of new areas of knowledge and the creation of jobs in the Region," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
After receiving in audience the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor, the President of the Government pointed out the AIR Center, headquartered on Terceira island or the project for the installation of a space port for the launch of microsatellites on Santa Maria as examples of the implementation of this strategy. The existing space observation infrastructures in the Region whose technical capacities will be soon reinforced were other examples mentioned by the President of the Government.
 
"This Regional Government's commitment is not only evident in the many meetings that have been held between both governments, but also in the decisions taken on these matters," Vasco Cordeiro stressed, noting the recent decision to install the headquarters of the Portuguese Space Agency on the island of Santa Maria.
 
After the meeting, held in Ponta Delgada, Vasco Cordeiro also stressed that the "Azores are not alone" as they are competing with several regions and countries that also intend to install scientific and technological infrastructures in their territories.
 
"The growing implementation of a series of investments and projects of interest to the Region stems from the collaboration between the Government of the Azores and the National Government," said Vasco Cordeiro.