Bermuda and the Azores have renewed their commitment to combine efforts and protect the North Atlantic Ocean as much as possible.

The promise, first made in 2019, has been revitalised after an Azorean delegation, led by the country’s president, José Manuel Bolieiro, met David Burt, the Premier, and Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier.

Mr Bolieiro said: “Strengthening the relationship between Bermuda and the Azores provides a strategic opportunity to learn from each other and improve the way we manage our ocean.

“As isolated island regions in the North Atlantic, we have the opportunity to create a blueprint for the rest of the world on how to sustainably manage our ocean while building a thriving economy.”

Several meetings have focused on sharing knowledge to help the regions improve marine research and monitoring, and creating marine training programmes.

The most recent meeting followed the recent historic pledge by the Azores to protect 30 per cent of its waters, creating the largest protected marine area in the North Atlantic.

The Bermuda Government hopes to match it with its Blue Prosperity Plan, which includes protection plans for 20 per cent of Bermuda’s waters and a framework to build the island’s blue economy.

Walter Roban, who also serves as the Minister of Home Affairs, said that unity between the two island nations could see the two help to build each other’s legislation.

He added: "As islands in the Atlantic, we share unique challenges and extraordinary opportunities.

“The Azores' success in protecting 30 per cent of their waters inspires and informs our work in Bermuda, just as our Blue Prosperity Plan can inform their future initiatives.”

Luis Bernardo Brito e Abreu, adviser to the Azorean president, said: “Our regions are also exploring innovative financing models and knowledge-sharing platforms to drive sustainable ocean industries, marine technology development and ocean education initiatives.

“Bermuda's Blue Prosperity Plan, particularly its innovative Blue Economy Strategy, sets a compelling framework for sustainable financing and economic growth related to the ocean.

“The work done in Bermuda offers valuable insights that can strengthen our ocean management efforts in the Azores.”

The Azores and Bermuda share the Sargasso Sea, which provides a migration route for birds and marine life, on top of holding a rich maritime history.

This year also marks the 175th anniversary of Portuguese and Azorean heritage in Bermuda.

About 20 per cent of Bermuda's population is of Portuguese descent, leading to strong cultural ties between the two regions.