The President of the Government defended today that the Portugal will greatly benefit if the historical and diplomatic relations with the USA, based on the long-time presence of the U.S. military contingent on Terceira, is complemented with other infrastructures that will seize the geostrategic potential of the Azores.

"The history of the Azores often intertwines with the interests in the North Atlantic over the centuries, whether they are economic, commercial or military," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke at the opening session of the fourth edition of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Azorean Forum, an initiative of the Government of the Azores and the Luso-American Foundation for Development taking place in Lajes do Pico.

According to him, the geostrategic importance of the Azores in the past was territorially based with the aim of preventing the islands from being used by others or being turned into a base for the projection of forces in a context of war. Currently, this purpose may be strengthened with the new frontiers in the knowledge of the Sea, the exploration of resources and the reinforcement of partnerships and alliances that go beyond military purposes.

In this context, the President of the Government highlighted the fact that the Azores Sea is expanding the borders of the Community space to an area near the American continent. This important role is "even more significant, if we take into consideration that the expansion of the Panama Canal will result in the expected increase of international maritime traffic in this area of the Atlantic."

"The history of this part of the world may be rewritten very soon, especially with the ongoing negotiations between the European Union and the United States for the establishment of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which further increase trade between these two global trading blocs," said Vasco Cordeiro.

Moreover, the President of the Government recalled the projects on the Extension of the Portuguese Continental Shelf have been conducted in the Azores Sea. This process will determine a new map of sovereignty and the emergence of a new paradigm in Strategic Management Sea. Both are decisive factor for the sustainable and economic development of the Region, the international positioning of Portugal and its projection as a maritime power at a global level.

"The development of this strategy should properly consider the development of actions intended to enhance our Atlantic Maritime Space, such as the sustainable exploration of resources, their protection in the face of external threats, and the provision of a stimulus to the research and knowledge on marine soils and the resources that can be extracted from them," defended Vasco Cordeiro.

According to the President of the Government, this new reality reiterates the central role played by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the relations between Europe and the USA, evidencing its potential to act as a border, a support base or even as a hub of transatlantic interest.

In his speech, the President of the Government warned, however, that the multiplicity of links between the Azores and the USA cannot underestimate the importance of Lajes Air Base issues and the U.S. intention to substantially reduce its presence, with the economic, social, environmental and diplomatic consequences that this process entails.
"The relevance of the relations between the United States and Portugal and the importance of the links between the USA and the Azores lies in the fact that its various components are not isolated," said Vasco Cordeiro.

"One cannot hope in good faith and let alone say that the U.S. intention announced on January 8, either in form or in substance, will not have an impact on this relation," said the President Government. According to him, this would be "fooling ourselves and those who, through us, may evaluate the merit or demerit of our claims."

After pointing out that times are demanding in regard to the commitment to truth, loyalty and mutual respect that shape the historical relation between the USA, Portugal and the Azores, Vasco Cordeiro conveyed his belief that "we will be able to overcome this moment of tension and the challenge to strength of this relation with same values as well as with a determined attitude and hard work."

"On behalf of the Government and on my behalf as President of the Government of the Azores, this is what you can expect from any side of the Atlantic," assured the President of the Government.

Held every two years, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Azorean Forum brings together politicians and scholars from both sides of the Atlantic to analyse the main challenges in the transatlantic relationship.

The fourth edition, held under the title "Azores and USA: Sustainable Development Strategies," features panels on education and research, investment opportunities, exports to the USA, new opportunities in Sea exploration and sustainable tourism.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Azorean Forum had already taken place on the islands of São Miguel in 2008, Terceira in 2010 and Faial in 2012.