US Ambassador Says Azores Is Critical to NATO

The Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) to Portugal, Randy Charno Levin, said this Monday that the Azores and the island of Terceira, where the Lajes base is located, are “critical” for NATO.

“Over the years, we have all realized that the Azores and Terceira are critical to national security and to NATO,” the ambassador said in Ponta Delgada, in the Azores.

If you look at the history of the Azores, he added, “Lages has been responsible for everything from supporting local communities after earthquakes to supporting operations such as in Afghanistan and Iraq” and now “plays an important role in the conflict in Iraq.” Near East”.

The ambassador, speaking at a conference organized by the Açoriano Oriental newspaper, highlighted the North American government’s $23 million annual investment in the Lajes base, which she said was “the highest since 2006.”

“It is quite obvious that from a security point of view, the Azores have and will continue to have strategic importance,” he emphasized.

Randy Charno Levine also believes that the Azorean community “represents Portugal very well in the United States, being a “very respected” community.

“The Azorean community in the United States is an exceptional asset and is highly respected. The Azores community provides a link between America and Portugal,” he emphasized.

The event was also attended by the Vice President of the Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) Arthur Lima and the US Consul in the Azores Archipelago Margaret Campbell.

Randi Charno Levine was appointed Ambassador to Portugal in November 2021 (by the Joe Biden administration) and took office in April 2022 after her appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Senate.