The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided on Thursday, at the Palácio da Conceição, in Ponta Delgada, over the signing of the protocol establishing the FLAD Summer Program – Azores, an initiative created through a partnership between the Regional Government, the University of the Azores, and the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD).
Bolieiro highlighted the “strengthening of FLAD’s presence in the Azores,” noting that this new commitment represents “a gesture of solidarity that honors the Region and continues the historic ties” with the Azorean-descendant community in the United States.
He also made a point of recognizing the work of FLAD’s President, Nuno Morais Sarmento, praising his “growing dedication and engagement with the Azores,” which, he said, “clearly demonstrates the importance the Region holds for the Foundation.”
The protocol provides funding for scholarships for young Luso-Americans of Azorean origin who, over the next two years, will have the opportunity to attend summer courses at the University of the Azores.
The aim is to bring these young people closer to their roots, strengthening their understanding of the archipelago’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage, while fostering scientific connections and promoting leadership development.
Bolieiro recalled that the Region has consistently sought to maintain close ties with its diaspora, stressing the importance of “not losing our identity, nor forgetting the memory and saudade that unite Azoreans around the world.”
At the same time, he emphasized that the focus is firmly “on the future,” stating that the Azores today “have more future than past,” and expressing confidence that the program will deepen knowledge of the archipelago’s potential while reinforcing the transatlantic relationship between Portugal and the United States.
The President expressed confidence in the impact of this protocol, signed in the year FLAD marks its 50th anniversary, describing it as another step in strengthening the bonds between the Foundation, the Region, and Azorean-descendant communities.
The document was signed by José Manuel Bolieiro, Susana Mira Leal, Rector of the University of the Azores, and Nuno Morais Sarmento, President of FLAD.
The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), headed by president Nuno Morais Sarmento, 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: Press Release @ portal.azores.gov
The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands. The archipelago, discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976. The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly, composed of 57 elected deputies, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency, with parliamentary legitimacy, composed of a President, a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government’s executive operations. The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal. According to the latest US census, over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States, the majority with roots in the Azores. It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal.
