The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations defended in Fall River, USA, that the Azorean communities established in various countries are "clearly decisive for an effective external projection of the Azores."
 
Rui Bettencourt spoke to more than 500 people at the closing dinner of 31st edition of the Great Feast of the Holy Spirit of New England, stressing the growing relevance of the Azorean Diaspora in economics, politics, science and civic action.
 
"It is in this field that the interactions with the Diaspora embody the culture of origin, foster economic and political relations, and strengthen family and social ties," said the government official. In this context, he noted that "they contribute to the promotion of regional interests abroad" as well as to the projection of the Azores abroad.
 
According to the Secretary for External Relations, the Diaspora "brings a global dimension to the Azores" as a result of the Azoreans scattered around the world. This strengthens the Region because "where there is an Azorean, the Azores will be there."
 
In his speech, the government official thanked all those who collaborate annually in the organisation of an event that is considered as the largest cultural and religious manifestation of the Azores in the Diaspora. In this context, he expressed his desire that it may continue to be "a driving force in the promotion of the valuable socio-cultural heritage that is common to all of us."
 
"We have witnessed not only the genuine beat of the Azorean soul, but also the strength of a self-affirming community that takes pride in its roots and wishes to include its legacy in its future projects," said the Regional Secretary.
 
Rui Bettencourt also stressed that the cult of the Divine Holy Spirit "unites all Azoreans" wherever they are and "strengthens a common path of our history," taking into account that this also provides "a stimulus" that will allow us to build the future "united and confident."
 
During his visit to the United States of America, the Regional Secretary met with PALCUS - Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United State. In the context of this meeting, the government official considered that the "strong and friendly" relations between the United States and the Azores must be "increasingly strengthened in the near future."
 
"We have a wonderful job ahead of us: to build these relations so that may bring advantages to the Azores, Portugal and the United States," said the government official.
 
"In a new era of international relations," the government official mentioned the existence of various realities that highlight the relevance of the Azores, namely the importance of the Azorean Diaspora, the location of the archipelago between Europe and the USA, "the archipelago as a hub in the commercial logistics network," the growing importance of the Azores and the increase of tourism flows in the Region.
 
In the context of the activities organised under the Great Feast of the Holy Spirit, Rui Bettencourt also took part in the coronation procession, the "bodo de leite" parade (distribution of milk and sweet bread) and in the ethnographic parade. He also attended the entry ceremony of the insignia of Holy Spirit as well as the blessing and distribution of "pensões" (charitable meat offerings).