The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations pointed out today in Santa Cruz das Flores that the cooperation developed between the Government and the Houses of the Azores during this term "strengthened the foundations of 'Azoreanity,'" but also "paved the way for the future and built bridges for the new generations of the Azorean Diaspora."
 
"The strategic convergence with the Government, the respect for the autonomy of each institution, and the recognition of the Houses of the Azores and our Diaspora are the principles of our action, being the basis of a new phase in the relations with our communities during this term," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official spoke on behalf of the President of the Government at the opening session of the 19th General Assembly of the World Council of Houses of the Azores (CMCA).
 
The meeting, being held for the first time on the Western Group islands, is being attended by the representatives of 13 Houses of the Azores that make up the CMCA and the House of the Azores of Bermuda as observer. As in previous years of this legislative period, the President of the Government also invited the representatives of parties holding a seat at the Legislative Assembly.
 
"Over the past four years, we have enhanced the performance of the General Assemblies of CMCA with the introduction of more contents, themed session and new subjects under debate; the latter address the Azores of today and their potentialities, without forgetting social issues, Azorean culture and Autonomy," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official added that the recognition of the World Council of Houses of the Azores also included, "for the first time this year, the participation of Portuguese Communities by proposal of the Regional Government."
 
In his speech, the government official pointed out that, during this term, "we have managed to diversify the scope of Houses of the Azores," thus being in line with the openness of their leaders to address the priorities and challenges of the Region and their emigrant communities.
 
In this context, Rodrigo Oliveira stressed that, for the Regional Government, public policies directed to communities "should not be limited" to economic cooperation, attraction of investment, preservation of culture or social needs of these communities; "they should address each and all of these aspects through an integrated strategy."
             
"Under this approach, the interactions with the Diaspora communities embody the culture of origin, foster economic and political ties, strengthen family and social ties, defend our regional interests abroad and promote our international image," said the government official.
  
With regard to the almost 20 years of activity of CMCA, the Regional Under Secretary stressed that the work carried out "over two decades reflects the spirit we regard the Azorean Diaspora: with respect for the past, supporting and working together in the present and preparing the future with the purpose of keeping the flame alive among young generations." The government official also mentioned that the Government believes that "a policy for communities must strengthen relations between the Diaspora and the Region in all areas, but with special focus on new generations."
 
For Rodrigo Oliveira, "the young people from our communities are prepared and want to keep this flame alive, but we need to let them speak their language so that they may build the connection of the Diaspora to the Azores of their time."
 
"Only that, honouring the past and investing in the future, we will be able to continue and recognise the efforts undertaken by several emigrant generations in the preservation of 'Azoreanity' and their active participation in the progress of our islands," stressed the government official.
 
Moreover, the Regional Under Secretary also defended that the communities in the Diaspora should "have an in-depth knowledge on the current reality" of the Azores, namely regarding the investment in new technologies, the diversified tourism offer or the existence of numerous business opportunities so that may become an part in the external projection of the Azores.
 
In his speech, Rodrigo Oliveira also recalled the 40th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Azores to be marked this month. He noted that it was the advent of Autonomy that "allowed us to restore ties and a relation of proximity between the Azores and their communities, acknowledging the value of Azorean communities in the Diaspora and supporting projects of interest in the context of the integration and promotion of 'Azoreanity' outside the archipelago."
 
At the end of the opening session of the General Assembly of CMCA, all Houses of the Azores and the World Council offered the Regional Government the flags of all institutions as recognition of the partnership work between the Government and CMCA.