LISBON | José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises “central role of Azores” during meeting with President of the Republic

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, was received today by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, at an audience for the exchange of greetings at the Belém Palace. Both leaders met in an atmosphere of institutional rapport and openness to dialogue.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the importance of establishing relations with the new Head of State based on trust and cooperation. He offered institutional greetings and expressed his “confidence” in the fulfilment of the presidential mandate, emphasising the full willingness of the self-governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to collaborate with the Presidency of the Republic.

Among the various matters discussed, José Manuel Bolieiro presented to the President of the Republic a document setting out the Azores’ main strategic priorities in the context of their relations with Portugal, the European Union, and the transatlantic and global spheres.

The President of the Azorean Regional Government highlighted the existing understanding with the central authorities, particularly with the National Government, drawing attention to matters currently under consideration, as well as the importance of a future revision of the Finance Act for the Autonomous Regions.

European integration was also one of the key topics under discussion. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the status of the Outermost Regions as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, calling for its “maintenance and enhancement” in the future multiannual financial framework. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the importance of direct relations between the Azores and the European institutions, namely the European Commission.

Regarding international affairs, the Atlantic dimension of the Azores was highlighted, with the Region being recognised as Portugal’s strategic outpost in the Atlantic. The President of the Azorean Government mentioned the Region’s contribution to matters such as ocean sustainability within the framework of the United Nations, and also addressed bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in relation to the Lajes Air Base and other infrastructures on the archipelago.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Azores in major global transitions, namely the climate, energy and digital transitions. He also emphasised the potential of renewable energy sources and energy self-sufficiency on each island, as well as the strategic importance of infrastructures such as the CAM Ring (Mainland Portugal-Azores-Madeira), which is essential for the Region’s connectivity and technological development.

In terms of development, the head of the Azorean Government stressed that the Azores are both a region in need of support and a territory of opportunities, particularly in the areas of the blue economy, the space economy, and the digital and technological economy.

One of the most significant points was the President of the Republic’s decision to mark  Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day on June 10 on the island of Terceira. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this choice represents a clear recognition of the importance of the Azores in the national and international context.

“This decision confirms Portugal’s full Atlantic identity and recognises the Azores as a strategic asset for the country, with geopolitical and geostrategic value,” he said.

The President of the Azorean Government defended that the archipelago now plays an increasingly central role in transatlantic dynamics, not only due to its location but also due to its contribution in areas such as security, science, space and the sea.

“The Azores are not on the sidelines; they are at the heart of things. They are an Atlantic hub that lends scale, depth and significance to Portugal,” he emphasised.

José Manuel Bolieiro also noted that this reality must be fully acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, highlighting the Azores’ contribution to stability and security in the Atlantic region.

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of linking the celebrations to the global reach of Portuguese communities, as reflected in the choice of Luxembourg, pointing out that this decision projects the image of Portugal as a global nation. He concluded by assuring the full willingness of the Azorean Government to collaborate in the organisation of the June 10 celebrations, emphasising that the Region will host the event with responsibility, pride and dignity.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU