The President of the Government said the meeting between the Regional and National Governments was very productive and important insofar as it addressed several relevant issues for the Azorean population. It took place in Angra do Heroísmo in the context of the Prime-Minister's official visit to the Region.
 
"I think this was a very productive and very important meeting. It was productive because it allowed us to discuss topics that were very important to the Azores in a wide range of areas," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
In this context, the President of the Government stressed the case of the Economic Revitalisation Plan for Terceira Island (PREIT), whose measures are being implemented. It is still considered to be "a strategic document that guides the way how the Regional and National Government deal with the downsizing of US military forces on Terceira Island."
 
Vasco Cordeiro met António Costa before the meeting between both Governments. The President of the Government also highlighted the increase of Community funds to cover the damages in regional ports following the storms that hit the Azores in late 2015, thus giving "a very clear signal of how national solidarity is in these situations."
 
Speaking to journalists, the President of the Government assured that the meeting was also very important insofar as "it demonstrated a serious and effective availability to address those subjects that have yet to be concluded so that we can work together and achieve good solutions."
 
Vasco Cordeiro also pointed out that the public service the subject of obligations for cargo transportation under new model of air accessibility to the Region has been solved. The respective public tender is expected to be launched in the next few months.
 
"This is very important since it will strengthen the export capacity of the regional economy," said the government official.
 
As for matters concerning security forces, the President of the Government announced that it was agreed that the support that the Region has awarded to the purchase of vehicles will be also directed to renovation and rehabilitation of police stations. In this context, Vasco Cordeiro also noted that, "even within the State functions, such as the case of Security, the Autonomy may help and contribute to the improvement of the conditions" of these services.
 
The President of the Government also stressed the issue concerning the operation of low cost airlines from Mainland Portugal to Terceira, which has great relevance from a practical and political standpoint.
 
"I stress this spirit of strong cooperation between both Governments in building solutions that will primarily serve the Azoreans. It is this spirit that gives us the assurance that, in the future, we will be able to solve whatever is necessary," said Vasco Cordeiro.