Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, has pledged to strengthen cultural ties with the Azores after meeting officials from the island last week.

Mr Roban held discussions with Luis Bernardo Costa Gomes de Brito e Abreu, who advises the President of the Azores on maritime issues, at the World Ocean Summit in Lisbon last week.

According to a government statement, the pair discussed their respective plans for a sustainable blue economy and the common vision each country shared for preserving ocean health in their Exclusive Economic Zones.

The statement added that they also discussed their objectives and opportunities to advance investment and job creation through renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, blue tourism and new industries such as aquaculture.

Historical ties between the Azores and Bermuda were also on the agenda.

After the meeting, Mr Roban said: "I'm committed to exploring the creation of stronger cultural ties between the two island communities in light of the enduring links between our populations and our shared maritime heritage.

“Our islands should pledge to tell our stories and establish a more permanent relationship between governments to benefit both communities."