Gasparovic presented with state award in Portugal

President Ivan Gasparovic began his official visit to Portugal at the Belem Presidential Palace on Monday. His wife Silvia is accompanying him on the three-day visit. Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio presented a state award to Gasparovic, who spoke of his appreciation of Portugal's unequivocal support of Slovakia in the early days of the EU-integration process. Both presidents expressed satisfaction with bilateral relations and the dynamic character of mutual co-operation after Slovakia's integration into the EU and NATO. Gasparovic also thanked Portugal for its support of Slovakia's candidacy as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.