The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), in partnership with regional and national institutions, will host the Lajes International Conference on September 18-19 in Praia da Vitória, Terceira.
The two-day event coincides with two historic milestones: the 30th anniversary of the Portugal–United States Cooperation and Defense Agreement and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, both of which underscore the enduring strategic importance of the Azores.
Organized under the theme “Azores, From Ocean to Space,” the conference aims to highlight the archipelago’s role as a transatlantic platform for diplomacy, security, science, sustainability, and innovation.
The program will bring together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and industry leaders to reflect on the past, assess present challenges, and chart future directions for Portugal, the United States, and Europe in the Atlantic context.
The opening session on September 18 will feature remarks by Vânia Ferreira, Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Nuno Morais Sarmento, President of FLAD, and José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Government of the Azores. Panels throughout the day will examine the legacy of the Portugal–U.S. defense agreement and the evolution of transatlantic relations from 1945 to 2025. The day will also include the inauguration of the exhibition “80 Years of the Lajes Base,” as well as a presentation from FLAD’s Coast to Coast diaspora book collection.
On September 19, discussions will expand to global challenges and opportunities, including the oceans, critical infrastructures, and space. Featured speakers will include Fernando Alexandre, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation; Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency; and leading experts from NATO, the Atlantic Council, and European institutions. The program concludes with reflections from Nuno Morais Sarmento and José Manuel Bolieiro.
The closing event includes exhibitions, literary presentations, and a concert by AngraJazz, featuring a special rendition of the song Frank Sinatra performed on Terceira Island in 1945. Admission to all events is free with prior registration.
Lajes Field, or Lajes Base, located on Terceira Island in the Azores, is a Portuguese Air Base (BA4) jointly used by the Portuguese Air Force, the United States, and NATO. Its mid-Atlantic location has made it strategically vital since World War II, serving as a refueling, surveillance, and logistics hub during the Cold War. By commemorating both the bilateral Portugal–U.S. defense partnership and the global turning point of 1945, the Lajes International Conference reaffirms the relevance of the Azores as a strategic Atlantic crossroad.
The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) was established on May 20, 1985, through the approval of Decree-Law No. 168/85 by the Portuguese government. Its creation was a direct outcome of the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support. One significant aspect of this agreement was the continued U.S. presence at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores. FLAD acts as a transatlantic bridge—promoting academic exchange, scientific collaboration, cultural enrichment, and bilateral dialogue. It operates through grants, fellowships, programs, and large-scale projects, playing a pivotal role in promoting the Portugal-US relationship.
Source: FLAD @ www.flad.pt
PAJ/Staff
