A relationship which extends beyond the shared history of Bermuda and the Azores was highlighted by the Deputy Premier over the weekend.

Walter Roban said the two countries shared a “deep connection” which extended to their environments, cultures and identities.

It came at an event at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa on Saturday which celebrated the 175th anniversary of the Portuguese arrival in Bermuda.

At the event, which was attended by the José Manuel Bolieiro, the President of the Regional Government of the Azores and Rena Lalgie, the Governor, Mr Roban said the milestone highlighted profound ties which the two countries share.

He said: “We are bound by the Atlantic and the vibrant, life-sustaining Sargasso Sea, which brings us together as one ocean community.

“Bermuda is home to an Azorean community that continues to enrich our island, strengthening a heritage that includes our maritime traditions, fishing, and respect for nature.”

He said Bermuda and the Azores were uniquely connected, including by the cahow and marine life whose protection requires a unified approach.

Mr Roban said the two countries were leaders in marine protection, both driven by a commitment to preserve the Atlantic.

He said both have been at the forefront of the Sargasso Sea Commission, which was established in 2014 with the signing of the Hamilton Declaration in Bermuda.

It promotes the protection of the high seas, with the creation of a system of high seas marine management.

Mr Roban added: “The Commission has played a significant role in the international effort to protect the High Seas.

“Its contributions have undoubtedly aided in the recent success and broad approval of the High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty.

“Both Bermuda and the Azores have been at the forefront of this important movement.”

Mr Roban said Bermuda and the Azores were working to drive sustainable growth in each country’s plans to shape blue economies.

He congratulated the Azorean Government on conserving 30 per cent of their waters through Marine Protected Areas.

He said Bermuda was making similar moves through its Blue Prosperity Plan, an approach which represented the culmination of a four-year collaborative effort with input from the community.

He said the plan was to create 90,000 sq km of Marine Protected Areas with the complete protection of 20 per cent of the islands’ waters, while enhancing fisheries management.

Mr Roban added: “As islanders, we interact with the ocean in different yet profoundly personal ways.”

He called on the two countries to be inspired by each other’s successes and support each other on the journey towards a healthier ocean.

On shared cultures, Mr Roban said Bermuda's identity had been “profoundly influenced” by people who came to the island when the Golden Rule vessel arrived 175 years ago.

He added: “The Bermudian identity has been shaped and enriched by all who have joined this community over the years.

“I personally can speak to this and am extremely proud of this connection and relationship we have to the Azores.

“We are one people of the Atlantic just as we have all become one people of Bermuda. This is a strong bond and long may this continue.”