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On the eve of the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of the State of Lithuania the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Azerbaijan, Valdas Lastauskas tells AzerNews about Lithuania-Azerbaijan cooperation, making a particular accent on the ways to develop bilateral cooperation, tourism and cultural ties.

Question: Mr. Ambassador, what can you tell us about the current state of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Lithuania? What were the major achievements between the two countries over 25 years of diplomatic relations?

Answer: Azerbaijan and Lithuania both faced a number of challenges throughout the 20th century, fortunately, now, in the 21st century, both our countries are fast growing, well developing. So are our relations – this year our countries celebrate the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the democratic state. In 2018, we also mark 99 years since we have first established diplomatic relations and 27 years since the re-establishment of our diplomatic ties. In mid-war period, there was a consular section of the Republic of Lithuania in Baku, headed by the famous Lithuanian writer Vincas Mickevičius-Krėvė, who was well known among the contemporary erudite of Lithuania and Azerbaijan. Moreover, historic sources witness that the Grand Duchy of Lithuania had intensive relations with its southeast neighbours.