The Regional Director for Communities stated in Porto Alegre, state capital of Rio Grande do Sul, that the Government of the Azores "has carried out a policy of increasing proximity to the Diaspora communities," through the support to the implementation of initiatives that "promote the strengthening of ties and mutual understanding."
 
Paulo Teves spoke Thursday at a meeting with the Director of the Portuguese Cultural Institute of Porto Alegre, stressing the role played by this institution "in the areas of research, study, preservation and dissemination of the ancestral Azorean presence" in this state of Southern Brazil.
 
"The Portuguese Cultural Institute has been the Regional Government's partner in several projects that aim to raise the awareness of the local community for the values of 'Azoreanity'."In this context, the 2nd Meeting of Azorean Rooms, which had its first edition in March last year during the visit of the Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, will count once again on the Region's support," said Paulo Teves.
 
During the visit he made to Rio Grande do Sul, the Regional Director for Communities also met with Rio Grande Book Chamber. The meeting addressed the Azorean participation in the 62nd Porto Alegre Book Fair, where the Azores will be the guest region, being highlighted at this event.
 
"This is an excellent opportunity to promote the image of the Azores, their history and culture and, in particular, Azorean writers," said Paulo Teves.
 
The Porto Alegre Book Fair, one of the most visible cultural events in Brazil, is the largest outdoor book fair in South America.
 
Held for the first time in 1955, the fair features about a hundred stands containing works of all genres directed to audiences of all ages. It also offers various cultural activities.