Armenian FM delivers speech in Lisbon
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan participated in the NATO summit of the heads of states and governments held in Lisbon on November 20.
Present at the meeting were the heads of the USA, Portugal, Afghanistan, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Secretary Generals of the UN and NATO and the President of the European Commission.
In his addressing speech, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said that situation in Afghanistan raises concern in many countries regardless of their geographical position and the presence of representatives from 49 countries at the NATO summit is not accidental. They gathered in Lisbon to find a joint solution to the problems existing in this country. With this very concern has Armenia joined the International Security Assistance Force and expressed willingness to further expand its participation.
According to Minister Nalabnadian, military and financial aid is important, but it is more important to restore the confidence of Afghani people in a stable and prosperous future.
In this regard, Nalbandian voiced support to the efforts of the international community, which will enable to enhance long-term programmes and activate cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian spheres.
On the sidelines of the summit, Minister Nalbandian met with Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado.
The ministers noted the importance of steps aimed at strengthening political dialogue, discussions and meetings between the two countries.
The Portuguese Foreign Minister said he would visit Armenia in the first half of 2011.
Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyn met with his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva.
The two men discussed prospects of cooperation between the two defense departments.
