Obama, Silva meet at White House

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The White House said President Barack Obama and Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva discussed security and economic issues during their meeting Wednesday.

The administration issued a statement after the meeting indicating the two presidents "discussed ways of maximizing the work of the U.S.-Portugal Bilateral Commission, which facilitates cooperation in areas as diverse as defense and security, education, science and technology exchanges, economic revitalization, law enforcement, and development in the Azores."

The statement said the meeting afforded Obama and Silva "an opportunity for exchanging views on the present world economic and financial situation. The United States underscored its full support for Portugal's implementation of its reform program backed by the IMF and the EU."

"We also agreed to continue our close cooperation within the U.N. Security Council, where Portugal currently serves as Council President, on issues of mutual concern, such as Syria, Libya, Middle East peace, and Iran," the statement said. "We emphasized the importance that both our countries attach to the role of the United Nations in the promotion of peace, democracy, good governance and human rights."

The two leaders also discussed "ongoing NATO operations, in particular in Afghanistan, where Portugal intends to maintain its contribution."