The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated in Ponta Delgada the "vast opportunities for collaboration" between the Azores and the United States to jointly "seize the geostrategic potential" of the Region.

Fausto Brito e Abreu spoke at the opening session of the conference "Scientific Development and Social and Political Impact: Emerging Bioethical Issues," organised by the Luso-American Foundation for Development (FLAD). The government official stressed that "the relations between Portugal and the USA and between the Azores and the USA are very old."

"The Azores and Portugal may have a lot to gain if they add new areas to the historical and diplomatic relations already established with the USA," defended the Regional Secretary.

In his speech, Fausto Brito e Abreu noted that "the history of the Atlantic is constantly changing," stressing the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the USA for the establishment of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership in order to "further enhance the exchanges between these two major trading blocks and, of course, between Portugal and the USA."

Brito e Abreu said the geostrategic position of the Azores is recognised as "a factor of opportunity in the assertion of Portugal in the world and the enhancement of partnerships and alliances."

As examples of "special importance in the Atlantic region and privileged areas for scientific and technical cooperation," the government official pointed out the projects for the Extension of the Portuguese Continental Shelf, which have been largely developed from the Azores Sea, and "the major environmental and sustainable development challenges," namely climate change, destruction of terrestrial and marine biodiversity and the problem of marine debris.

The Regional Secretary for the Sea also stated that the Government of the Azores intends to continue to collaborate in the development of specific initiatives of FLAD in the archipelago, ensuring that the Azorean Government "will continue to promote the activities developed by FLAD at a national level by disseminating them in the Region and promoting the participation of the Azorean population."

The conference "Scientific Development and Social and Political Impact: Emerging Bioethical Issues" was held as part of celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Luso-American Foundation. Its mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of Portugal through cooperation with the USA, supporting various projects for the economic, commercial, scientific and technical cooperation between Portugal and the United States of America, the projects concerning the promotion of Portuguese language and culture in the USA and the development program of the Azores.