Premier Michael Dunkley has welcomed a delegation from the Azores to discuss fostering relationships, strengthening historical ties and immigration issues.

The visitors, who were on the Island last week, spoke with Mr Dunkley on Friday at the Cabinet building about matters of mutual interest.

Among those involved in the meeting were Rodrigo Vasconcelos de Oliviera, the Azorean regional secretary of the presidency for external relations; Paulo Teves, regional director for the communities; Attorney-General Trevor Moniz; Michael Fahy, Minister of Home Affairs; Cabinet secretary Derrick Binns; Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, honorary counsel for Portugal in Bermuda, and MP Jeff Sousa.

Mr Dunkley said: “Bermuda and the Azores have significant historical ties, as well common challenges due to our insular geography.

“We view the Azores as an important partner of Bermuda. It should be highlighted that the Azores was one of the signatories of the Hamilton Declaration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the Sargasso Sea, adopted in Bermuda on March 11, 2014.

“I shared with the delegation that we have a very vibrant Portuguese community with a proud heritage and they have contributed much to our Island.”

The delegation donated cultural books to the Bermuda National Library and the Bermuda College, visited Warwick Academy and held meetings with community organisations during their stay.