Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan attended a meeting of the NATO Council of Heads of State and Government in Lisbon, Nov. 20.

The press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed NEWS.am that Minister Nalbandian delivered a speech at the summit. He pointed out many states’ concern over the situation in Afghanistan, and the leaders of 49 states gathered to find solutions to the country’s problems. With this end in view, Armenia joined the international forces maintaining security in Afghanistan and stated its willingness for larger-scale involvement.

The Armenian FM pointed out the importance of military and financial aid to Afghanistan. Much more important is, however, the Afghan people’s confidence in its ability to build up a prosperous state, Nalbandian said.

Minister Nalbandian also held a meeting with his Portuguese counterpart Luís Amado. The Portuguese FM stated that Portugal is Armenia’s reliable friends ready for expanding cooperation in all the fields. Minister Nalbandian pointed out Armenia’s willingness to develop cooperation with Portugal.

The sides also pointed out the importance of steps aimed at promoting their political dialogue and discussed issues related to consultations between the Armenia and Portuguese foreign offices, bilateral cooperation within international institutions, simplification of visa requirements and economic cooperation.

The Portuguese FM accepted Minister Nalbandian’s invitation to visit Armenia in the first half of next year.

Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan held a meeting with his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva. The sides discussed bilateral cooperation.

Minister Edward Nalbandian also held short meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary General Ban ki-Moon and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.