The President of the Government received today the candidate of PS (Socialist Party) to the European Parliament at an audience requested by Francisco Assis. Vasco Cordeiro considered that it demonstrates "the recognition and respect for regional autonomies and their importance at a European level."

Speaking to journalists, Vasco Cordeiro demonstrated his availability, "either by institutional duty or democratic practice," to receive other candidates for the May elections requesting an audience.

At the end of the meeting held in Horta, the President of the Regional Government reiterated that the Sea is one of the major challenges the Azores face in their relation with the European Union.

"From this standpoint, I can say that the Azores have candidates who can defend their political position and influence the European Union to take the necessary measures to this potential may be translated into the creation of jobs and the generation of wealth," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government stressed that Francisco Assis is aware of the challenges the Azores face in their relation with the European Union in the next term of the European Parliament, particularly with regard to the inclusion of the Azores Sea in the strategic positioning of the European Union.

"Furthermore, the matters that are traditionally associated with the interests of the Azores, such as Agriculture, Fisheries, Cohesion and Outermost Regions, will continue to be at the centre of our concerns, which I conveyed to Francisco Assis," added Vasco Cordeiro.