The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stated that the Azores "are proud of being a region that welcomes the presence of immigrants." In this context, the government official stressed the importance of the partnership between the Government, local authorities, Private Social Solidarity Institutions and associations to promote the integration of foreign citizens who chose to live and work in the archipelago.

"We must continue to pay attention to this matter and promote the integration of immigrants on each of the nine islands and in each municipality. We must bear in mind that immigrant communities are also different and face specific challenges in the internal context of the Region, such as, for example, the average level of schooling or the most common occupations," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official spoke at the opening ceremony of the Immigrant Support Office on the island of Pico (GAIIP).

For Rodrigo Oliveira, the creation of this office is the result of an initiative developed by the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of São Roque do Pico and its various partners, including the Regional Government, the local Town Hall, the High Commissioner for Migration, and the AIPA and Cresaçor associations. This initiative is of particular relevance due to the fact that Pico is fourth island of the Azores with the highest number of immigrants.

According to data provided by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), the immigrant community on Pico saw an increase in 2013 over the previous year, from 309 to 359 people.

In his speech, Rodrigo Oliveira also highlighted the contribution of immigrants to the "development of the Azores as well as to their enrichment and cultural diversity," noting that "the promotion of interculturalism and the full integration of immigrant citizens is a task that must carried out by the entire society."

In this regard, he stressed that "the Regional Government has awarded priority status to partnerships with institutions and associations that work in the field and know best the challenges faced by these communities, through the allocation of financial support, as well as to a proximity approach and mutual collaboration."

"Above all, the Government of the Azores aims to find useful mechanisms and tools to promote the integration of immigrants, such as the Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrants," stressed Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official reminded that these courses will now cover more islands, increasing from two to four islands between 2013 and 2014; the number of students rose from 40 to 70 students. The Government "intends to reinforce this measure in 2015."

Furthermore, the Regional Under Secretary stressed the importance of "working together to develop specific initiatives that promote social interaction, the knowledge and respect between different cultures, but taking into consideration the specificities of each island." In this context, the government official launched the challenge for the organisation of a "Race for Interculturalism."

"Why not organise in 2015 a race for integration here on Pico, an island known for its tradition in the area of sport, particularly in athletics?” proposed Rodrigo Oliveira.

The Immigrant Support Office on the island of Pico was funded at 95% by the European Fund for the Integration of non-EU immigrants. The Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Communities, subsidised the remaining 5% and contributed to its organisation and logistics.