On 29 June 2026, as part of his official visit to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honorary Consul-General of His Majesty The King of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy visit to the Escola do Mar dos Açores (EMA) on the island of Faial.
The Consul-General was received by Mr Andy Rodrigues, Member of the Board of Directors of the Associação para o Desenvolvimento e Formação do Mar dos Açores (ADFMA), who conducted a comprehensive tour of the institution’s modern facilities and presented the School’s mission, educational programmes and its important contribution to the development of the Blue Economy in the Azores.
The Escola do Mar dos Açores is one of Portugal’s leading specialist institutions dedicated to maritime education, professional training and innovation. Through its state-of-the-art facilities, the School prepares students and professionals for careers across a broad range of maritime sectors, including marine technologies, maritime operations, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, underwater robotics and the wider Blue Economy. Working closely with government, industry, universities and international partners, the School plays a key role in supporting the sustainable economic development of the Azores while promoting innovation, research and skills development in ocean-related sectors.
During the visit, discussions focused on the many shared characteristics of the Azores and the Kingdom of Tonga as island communities whose futures are closely linked to the oceans. Both sides exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation in maritime education, professional training, ocean science, sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, climate resilience and the development of the Blue Economy.
Particular interest was expressed in developing closer institutional links between the Escola do Mar dos Açores and partners in the Kingdom of Tonga. Such cooperation could include the exchange of expertise, student and professional training opportunities, technical collaboration, and the sharing of best practices in sustainable ocean governance and maritime education.
Comendador Anthony Bailey welcomed the School’s international outlook and its commitment to building partnerships beyond Europe.
“For island nations such as Tonga, the ocean is not simply a natural resource—it is central to our history, culture, identity and future prosperity. The impressive work being undertaken by the Escola do Mar dos Açores demonstrates how education, innovation and international cooperation can help build a sustainable Blue Economy. I greatly welcome the School’s interest in developing closer links with Tonga, and I look forward to exploring opportunities for future collaboration that will benefit both our island communities.”
The visit formed part of the Consul-General’s wider programme of official engagements across the Autonomous Region of the Azores, aimed at strengthening relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Region in the fields of education, marine science, environmental protection, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Website: https://www.emazores.pt
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