The Regional Under Secretary for External Relations pointed out in Brazil the action developed by the Azorean associations from various municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, which have contributed to "significant efforts towards the rediscovery" of Azorean roots.

"In a few years, numerous Gaucho locations became aware of the importance of knowing their past and, consequently, the importance of recovering the memory of the Azorean presence. This is a successful project that thrived," Rodrigo Oliveira said, highlighting the emergence and development of numerous activities such as meetings, seminars, festivals, dissemination actions at schools, contests and festivals, including the celebration of the Holy Spirit.

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke Wednesday at the opening of the Forum of Azorean Rooms, an initiative promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities and the House of the Azores of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (CAERGS). The event was attended by representatives of several cities, including Porto Alegre, Gravataí, Santo António da Patrulha, Osório, Pintada Island, Pelotas, Cambará do Sul, Triunfo and Viamão.

"The dynamics, awareness and commitment of these cultural institutions contributed to the development of efforts of great importance that not only brought both sides of the Atlantic closer, but also the cultural roots that unite us," stressed the government official.

In his speech, the Regional Under Secretary pointed out that the Regional Government's support to these institutions, through the provision of information materials on the Region, has decisively contributed to "the preservation of Azorean culture and the dissemination of 'Azoreanity' as well as to recognition of the important role played by Azoreans and their descendants in building the societies where they live." According to him, these actions "acknowledge the importance of communities and the prestige of the Autonomous Region of the Azores." However, it is necessary to continue these actions so that "youngsters of Azorean-descent living in Brazil may become aware of this reality and feel proud of their roots."

The government official emphasised the "indispensable collaboration and support of the municipalities" where the Azorean Rooms were created. In this regard, he called for joint efforts in order to continue "this major effort to disseminate the Azorean identity," praising the work developed by the Portuguese Cultural Institute of Porto Alegre and the House of the Azores of the State of Rio Grande do Sul as "strategic partners."

"The achievement of relevant results is only possible if there is combination of synergies and willingness," Rodrigo Oliveira said, ensuring the Government's commitment to foster this network by providing conditions for "the further development of activities that disseminate the development of the Azores at a local level as well as their investment potentialities."

Rodrigo Oliveira recalled the Azorean couples who began the settlement of this Southern Brazilian region, where the marks of the Azorean presence are visible in the cultural heritage of the Gaucho people. Moreover, the government official stressed the efforts undertaken by regional governments to promote the approach and a stronger relation between Azorean institutions and Diaspora communities.

For the Regional Secretary, the meetings such as the forum held Wednesday are privileged spaces "for dialogue, exchange of experiences, study and implementation of strategies between these institutions in order to implement common projects that value and promote Azorean cultural heritage and bring prestige to the Azores" Therefore, Rodrigo Oliveira reiterated "the Azorean Government's willingness to support the development of Azorean Rooms in partnership with the respective municipalities, the House of the Azores of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and the Portuguese Cultural Institute."

"Our availability and willingness are important to safeguard the preservation of the Azorean cultural identity, disseminate the reality of the Azores of today and make Azoreans spread around the world acquainted with the relevant work developed by local and municipal institutions to promote the Azores," said the government official.

On the same day, Rodrigo Oliveira attended the session to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the House of the Azores of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, where he highlighted the importance of its unifying role in that State as a "true Embassy of 'Azoreanity' in Gaucho lands."

The celebrations of the anniversary of CAERG were attended by dozens of members and friends as well as by several local authorities. The event featured the performances of traditional music and dance groups from the Azores and Rio Grande do Sul.

Founded in March 2003, the House of the Azores of the State of Rio Grande do Sul is headquartered in the city of Gravataí. Its mission is to disseminate Azorean history, music, dance, folklore, handicrafts as well as other cultural and social values of the Azores, through the promotion of exchanges between the Azores, Rio Grande do Sul and other Azorean Communities in various areas, the publication of books, the organisation of meetings and lectures, among other activities.