The Regional Government signed in Ponta Delgada a memorandum of understanding with the University of the Azores in order to conduct an in-depth study on the history of Azorean emigration. The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations considered it as "structuring for the recognition of Azorean Diaspora that will also allow a better understanding of the migratory movements of Azoreans to various parts of the world."
 
"This is a comprehensive and complex project, but also very ambitious," Rodrigo Oliveira said, pointing out that it is intended to systematise the existing knowledge of Azorean communities in North America and Brazil as well as to promote scientific works in less studied geographic areas, such as Bermuda or Hawaii.
 
Rodrigo Oliveira also stressed that the "History of Azorean Emigration" will also allow "an in-depth knowledge on some Azorean emigration movements that are not known by the general public," such as Argentina, Venezuela, Australia, the Dominican Republic or even the former Portuguese colonies in Africa.
 
"The 'History of Azorean Emigration' is, thus, a structuring project for the recognition of our Diaspora but also for the perception and actual understanding of what are today on the nine islands of the Azores and on all 'tenth islands' where our communities are residing," stressed the government official. According to him, this project corresponds to an "old aspiration that had been long desired by many scholars and researchers, both in the Region and in the communities."
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at the end of the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Regional Government and the University of the Azores in order to conduct a study on the history of Azorean emigration to be later published in book format.
 
A working group was created for this purpose. Its first meeting took place Sunday and Monday and was focused on South America. The event brought together academics and researchers from Brazil, Uruguay and the University of the Azores.
 
"This is a project to be developed in the medium-term, but it has taken a first step here, with the meeting of a working group that presented today a clear outline of what this "History of Azorean Emigration" will be. It is expected to be developed in the next three months until the presentation of the comprehensive plan for the preparation of this study, including numerous partnerships and collaboration of several scholars and researchers from other countries," said Rodrigo Oliveira.
 
Under this protocol, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Communities, is committed to supporting scientific research, providing data and information, facilitating contacts with the Diaspora, universities and institutions, and participating in the working group. In turn, the University of the Azores will ensure the scientific coordination of the study and establish the necessary partnerships with other institutions.
 
Rodrigo Oliveira highlighted the "central role" of the University of the Azores in this initiative, also stressing the international projection of this study, "for the cooperation potential with institutions, universities, researchers and scholars from all the territories that host Azorean communities."