The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations highlighted the “multi- and inter-cultural convergence" the Azores are living, stressing that the Regional Government aims to develop an outreach work with immigrant communities residing in the archipelago.

"In fact, the Government of the Azores intends to promote an outreach work with all communities, comprising over 80 nationalities residing in the Azores, as well as to learn from the paths of migration followed by those who have returned to their homeland. These contributions will establish the foundations for a better and comprehensive integration policy," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official spoke at the celebrations of the International Migrants Day in Ponta Delgada on Wednesday.

"On this day we pay tribute to all those who left our islands for various reasons, but also to those who have made our islands their new home, contributing to the progress and development of these nine pieces of land in the middle of the Atlantic," said the Regional Under Secretary.

In his speech, Rodrigo Oliveira mentioned the "successful integration" of immigrants in the Azores, who are intended to become "part of the development process of the Region through the sharing of their knowledge and experiences as well as through the entrepreneurial spirit they have demonstrated over time."

"Therefore, the Regional Government, in partnership with various entities, has promoted a series of action that, on the one hand, ensure the full integration of immigrants and returned emigrants in our society and, on the other hand, foster interculturalism," the government official said, pointing out the promotion of Portuguese language courses for immigrants and the support to the activities developed by several institutions.

However, the Regional Under Secretary conveyed his concern about the exploitation of illegal immigration and the increasing restrictions that are being imposed in some European countries. In this regard, he assured that the Azores "are a good example in the privileged relation with several communities and support to them."

"In a Region that values its emigration and immigration and is proud of being open to the world, it is never enough to say that racism and xenophobia do not have room in our society," emphasised Rodrigo Oliveira.