The President of the Republic is travelling in the Autonomous Region of the Azores between 20 and 24 September, with a visiting schedule that includes the islands of Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Corvo and Flores, and completing his programme in the island of São Miguel.

In his first visit to the Region as President of the Republic, in October 2007, President Aníbal Cavaco Silva had travelled to the islands of Terceira, Pico, Faial and São Miguel.

The President then assumed the commitment to visit the islands where he did not go on that occasion, a commitment that he is now respecting.

This visit comprises the islands known as the “Cohesion Islands”, deserving of solidarity and that, through cooperation, can provide a relevant contribution to the sustainable development of the Autonomous Region.

Paying a tribute to the people of the Azores, the President recognizes not just the role of those who live in the Region’s islands, but also the efforts of the many thousands that chose to become integrated in the Portuguese Diaspora.