The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations welcomed the recognition of World Council of the Houses of the Azores (CMCA) regarding the partnership work developed with the Government of the Azores, a relation based on "strategic convergence, support and respect for the autonomy of each institution.”

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke Saturday at a ceremony held in Fajãzinha in the municipality of Lajes das Flores. The government official considered that the CMCA's conclusions should be, above all, "regarded as an encouragement to all who work with great dedication in the Government of the Azores, especially in the Regional Directorate for Communities, so that this partnership may be continuously improved and ties that link to the Azorean Diaspora further strengthened."
 
During the presentation of the conclusions of the 19th General Assembly, held on Flores and Corvo, the CMCA decided to "welcome the increasing consolidation of the role of the World Council of the Houses of the Azores representing Azorean communities, either in official acts such as the Council of Portuguese Communities or in the celebration of the Azores Day, the participation in the Houses' activities and the training of their leaders, promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities."
 
According to the final document of the meeting, presented by the President of the World Council, Rogério Medeiros (House of the Azores of São Paulo), the CMCA has decided to "highlight the important role of the Houses of the Azores in bringing young people closer to the themes related to these associations and their communities as well as the investment of the Regional Directorate for Communities in the training of young people."
 
At the meeting held in the Western Group, the World Council of Houses of the Azores has decided to include, as member, the Friends' Association of the House of the Azores of Bermuda. The institution should "change its designation for House of the Azores of Bermuda until the next General Assembly."
 
Rodrigo Oliveira conveyed to the association's representative, Américo Vieira, "the great satisfaction with the fact that the World Council of Houses of the Azores now has 14 members and, in particular, with Bermuda, a land that has received so many Azorean emigrants." He also took the opportunity to send a "fraternal hug and offer congratulations" to the President of the House of the Azores of Bermuda, Andrea Moniz DeSouza, as well as to all leaders and members.
 
At the ceremony in Fajãzinha, the University of the Azores was distinguished with the Medal of Merit of the World Council 2015. On the occasion, the Regional Under Secretary recalled José Enes, the founder and first dean of this institution. He was a "philosopher with a strategic thinking about the University and the Region due to its Atlantic dimension, the Azorean spirit and the projects of its communities."
 
The Regional Secretary also highlighted the medals awarded to Manuel Medeiros, founder of the House of the Azores of São Paulo, "for his leading and crucial role towards the preservation of 'Azoreanity' in a big city," and to the company ARPREX/MAJAM; the latter is an example of "businessmen and companies in the Diaspora for the jobs they gave to Azorean emigrants and the support to the preservation of traditions."
 
The CMCA distinguished the works on hydrangea pith with the "Quality Azorean Product" certificate. The award was received by Maria Azevedo, an artisan from Flores. According to Rodrigo Oliveira, this fair distinction should be regarded "as an incentive to Azorean handicrafts that also shows our authenticity and the richness of our culture."
 
Rodrigo Oliveira also highlighted the success of the meeting of the 14 Houses of the Azores, whose "importance" of being held on Flores and Corvo was praised by CMCA. It demonstrates "the need to get closer to these communities so that the Council may become better acquainted with the reality of these islands and, in turn, their representatives will know the dynamics of the Council of its members, allowing the convergence of efforts to achieve their goals."
 
"The ceremony, held outdoors in the evening, took place in Fajãzinha in Lajes das Flores, the westernmost municipality of Europe. After the working sessions held in Santa Cruz das Flores and on the island of Corvo, this event evokes the symbolism of 'Azoreanity' in the simplicity and stunning natural beauty of the landscape," said the Regional Under Secretary. On the occasion, he also urged the representatives of the Houses of the Azores to "send a fraternal hug to your and our communities."
 
At the end of the ceremony, which was attended by the members of the Council and the mayors of Lages and Santa Cruz das Flores, the presidency of CMCA was passed on to the Presidency of the House of the Azores of Toronto, Suzanne Cunha.
 
Founded in 1997, the World Council of Houses of the Azores comprises the Houses of the Azores of Northern Portugal, Lisbon and Algarve (Mainland Portugal), Winnipeg, Quebec and Ontario (Canada), Hilmar and New England (USA), Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), Uruguay and Bermuda. The Regional Directorate for Communities is also part of CMCA.