The President of the Government highlighted today the availability of the National Government to reopen the case on the ordinance establishing the Basic Law on the Planning and Management of National Maritime Space in order to ensure that the Region has power to propose, decide and benefit from managing its maritime space.
 
"The fact that the National Government is available to amend the ordinance which, until recently, was the subject of the Constitutional Court's decision on this matter to safeguard the Region's claims is deeply significant," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
Speaking to journalists on the second day of visit of the Prime Minister's visit to the Azores, António Costa, the President of the Government stated that the Region's orientation in this process must assure that the Azores "should have decision power in these matters so that the Azorean people may benefit from the exploration" of these resources.
 
"This is what guides our framework and we welcome the National Government's availability to reopen the process on the decree-law implementing the basic law with the aim of achieving a satisfactory solution for both parties," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government accompanied António Costa in a visit to the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores.
 
"Now, there is work to do and we should proceed with the formal amendment to the implementation of these principles," said the President of the Government.
 
As for the Oceanic Research Centre, which will be installed on Faial, Vasco Cordeiro stated that it will increase the added value of this island in the area of sea-related affairs. It will also function as a hub that will congregate an entire network of institutions that will provide a contribution to the Atlantic in the most diverse areas. In this regard, Portugal has a very significant presence, through the Azores.