The Regional Director for Communities stated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, that the Government of the Azores "has worked closely with the governments of the countries where there are Azorean communities or of Azorean descent in order to establish and develop joint projects aimed at strengthening cultural ties."
 
Paulo Teves spoke at the signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement between the Regional Directorate for Communities and the Gaucho Institute of Tradition and Folklore. It is intended to carry out technical cooperation, scientific and cultural actions that are relevant to the development of initiatives in the areas of culture, arts and folklore. Moreover, the document is also focused on joint efforts to develop projects, studies and technical services that will promote mutual cooperation between both parties.
 
In his speech delivered at the ceremony, the Regional Director pointed out that "the Azorean spirit is still present in this Brazilian state, living in folklore, religion, architecture as well as in the language of the people and other aspects of Rio Grande culture." The event was attended by the President of the Institute, Vinicios Brum, the Secretary of State for Culture of Rio Grande do Sul, Victor Hugo, and the President of the House of the Azores of Rio Grande do Sul, Célia Jachemet.
 
"This protocol acknowledges and reflects the relevance of the work developed the Government of the Azores and the Gaucho Institute of Tradition and Folklore for the preservation and promotion of the state's culture, which is an important part of Azorean culture," said Paulo Teves.
 
Created in 1974, the Gaucho Institute of Tradition and Folklore is an entity under the administration of the Secretary of State for Culture of Rio Grande do Sul and had its inception in the State Commission for Folklore; the latter was founded in 1948.
 
The mission of this institution is to study and disseminate folklore science, promoting popular culture and the exchange with entities that develop similar activities.
 
In the context of his visit to Rio Grande do Sul, the Regional Director for Communities participates today in the celebrations of the 13th anniversary of the House of the Azores of Rio Grande do Sul; the latter represents the Autonomous Region of the Azores in this Brazilian state.