The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations pointed out in Ponta Delgada the willingness of civil society organisations for the eventual reception of refugees in the Azores, stressing that Azoreans "are well aware of the value of integration into the host society."

"Azorean people are well aware of the value of integration and solidarity out there, where they were welcomed and managed to achieve their full integrations. I am sure, from what I have felt by the Azorean society and the institutions representing it, that we are a supportive region that is not afraid of giving an effective sign of solidarity and sharing during this humanitarian emergency," said Rodrigo Oliveira.

The Regional Secretary spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting held by the Government of the Azores with various civil society institutions, which conveyed their willingness and commitment to work on the issue of refugee reception. In this regard, the government official defended "the importance of working in time in order to create the conditions for a warm welcome to these refugees."

Today's meeting was organised with the aim of conducting the first survey of the logistical conditions in the archipelago in order to "prepare a response for basic care level, including infrastructures, housing, food, health care and education."

Rodrigo Oliveira stressed that important decisions have yet to be taken in this process at a European level. According to him, it is still "too early" to anticipate the number of refugees who will be welcomed in the Azores. However, he admitted that, at first, the Region may receive four dozen of the approximately 1,500 refugees that will be placed in Portugal, if the calculation takes into account the population weight of the archipelago in the national whole.

"At this stage, we are conducting a very objective survey on the existing conditions in several regional municipalities and islands. More than knowing whether or not they will be distributed across the islands, it is important to know at this time which places are available and provide the necessary conditions, not only in terms of accommodations but also in terms of a whole range of services that promote their integrations, including social, school and health support.

However, Rodrigo Oliveira stressed that the distribution of EU funds, amounting to six thousand Euros per refugee for two years, has been not defined at a national level.
"This amount will be allocated to the State and, therefore, it is necessary to define the distribution of funds nationwide," stressed the government official.

In addition to the representatives of the Regional Directorates for Social Solidarity, Health and Education and Culture, today's meeting was also attended by the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA), the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the Diocesan Service for Social Pastoral, Cáritas - Azores, the Regional Union of "Santas Casas da Misericórdia," the Foreigners and Borders Service, ARRISCA Association, Novo Dia Association, Food Bank and Cresaçor.