The Regional Director for Communities stressed today the importance of the Azores' geostrategic position to raise the visibility of the Region in the world as well as to reinforce Autonomy in several areas.

"The importance of our geostrategic position has contributed to the assertion of the Azores in the world since the 15th century and the reinforcement of Autonomy in several areas," said Paulo Teves. The government official spoke at the opening session of the 2nd Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference that is taking place at the University of the Azores until July 12.
 
"Autonomy enables us to find the best responses for the promotion and development of the Region so that we may improve the living conditions of all Azoreans, reinforce the cohesion among islands and strengthen our links to the diaspora," said the government official.

In his speech, the Regional Director for Communities also stressed the role played by Azorean emigrant communities in "maintaining the ties that geography, history and affection will certainly grow in the future."

"Thousands of Azoreans and their descendants are our best ambassadors insofar as they are strategic partners in the areas of culture and economy and, thus, contribute to the visibility of the Region and the progress of all islands," said the government official.

The 2nd Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference is organised by the European Scientific Institute, the Department of Economics and Business Management of the University of the Azores, the Centre for Legal and Economic Studies (CEJE) and the Centre for Applied Economics Studies of the Atlantic (CEEAplA). The event brings together over one hundred participants from 25 countries, including the USA, Slovakia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Norway, Nigeria, Canada, Czech Republic, India, Romania, Turkey and Italy.