The President of the Government stated today in Ponta Delgada that the work developed by the Ombudsman's Office provides "valuable assistance" to increasingly improve the relation between the Regional Public Administration and citizens.

"Despite the existence of other mechanisms to solve any differences of understanding between citizens and the Regional Administration on certain matters, we regard the Ombudsman's Office a valid form of assistance to improve the operation of the Regional Administration," stressed Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke after receiving in audience the Ombudsman, José Francisco de Faria Costa, who began today his visit to the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the context of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of this state body.

Vasco Cordeiro congratulated the Ombudsman's Office for its four decades of existence and expressed his satisfaction with this visit to the Azores, considering that it demonstrates the commitment with which José Francisco de Faria Costa has fulfilled his duties.

"His presence in the Azores is considered a good example of how national authorities should also address the needs and characteristics of our Region," said the President of the Government.

Vasco Cordeiro also received in audience the National Director of the Foreign Nationals and Borders Service, António Pereira Beça, with whom he analysed the situation of this state service in the Region, particularly with regard to human resources.

"Our expectation is that the planned course may contribute to strengthening the conditions in which these state duties are carried out in our Region," Vasco Cordeiro said, reminding that the Azores pose specific challenges for a service such SEF due to their archipelagic nature and increase of visitors.