The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations said in Angra do Heroísmo that the promotion of interculturalism is the one of the "ongoing concerns" of the Regional Government. The government official highlighted the "vital role" played by immigrants and returned emigrants in the development and progress of the archipelago.

"Working towards the promotion of interculturalism is an ongoing concern of the Regional Government in order to improve collaboration at various levels, especially with all who choose the Azores to work and live in," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official noted that the Government has carry out a proximity work in this area and developed partnerships with associations.

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke at the opening of the Conference on "Racism, Integration and Mobility: A Question of Human Rights," an event organised by the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA). At the occasion, he mentioned the inclusion of immigrants and returned emigrants has been "been a natural process" in the Region since its early days of settlement. This fundamental role played by these communities in our progress and developed is recognised by the self-government bodies of the Azores."

"We welcome the experience of life paths, challenges and aspirations of the Azorean communities, but also of those who have returned after living and working in the diaspora for so many years in order to better understand the life paths, challenges and aspirations of the immigrants living in the Azores," said the government official.

In his speech, the Regional Under Secretary recalled that over three immigrants from about 80 nationalities are currently living in the Azores. This fact has led the Government to promote "comprehensive and inclusive inclusion policies."

"We know that the integration of immigrants into host societies is a complex process that involves several aspects, such as interaction, adjustment and mutual adaptation, the government official said, adding that the values to "Azoreanity," geography, history and mobility of the Azorean people are not compatible with discrimination or racism."

However, Rodrigo Oliveira recalled the existence of problems at a European level with regard to restrictions of mobility that have been imposed by some countries and the rise of racism and xenophobia. He defended that the Azorean people should "actively participate" in the debate on the issues of great relevance for the near future "by voting in the elections to the European Parliament to be held in May."

"But we must also continue our work in the Azores, providing useful tools for the integration of immigrants and raising the awareness of youngsters for tolerance," stressed the Under Secretary. In this context, the government official stressed several initiatives developed by the Regional Government, such as the Portuguese Language courses for immigrants. The successful completion of these courses allows immigrants to comply with the requirements for the acquisition of nationality, permanent residence or the authorisation for long-term residence in regard to the assessment exams of Portuguese Language."

"We will be able to continue building a more cohesive and culturally rich society in the Azores, through the convergence of the actions developed by several institutions in different areas," stressed Rodrigo Oliveira.

In a "region that takes pride in its emigration and immigration as well as in is its openness to the world, the government official stressed , it is never too late to renew fundamental values - the right to mobility, social cohesion and solidarity - and reiterate that discrimination, racism and xenophobia have no room in our society.