News

On 26 January in Vilnius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Edward Nalbandian had a detailed discussion on possibilities to develop bilateral relations. During the discussion, Ažubalis affirmed Lithuania’s willingness to share the experience of EU integration reforms.

Ažubalis stressed that despite the experience of good bilateral relations for twenty years, the potential of economic ties was not fully exploited. According to the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, the dynamics of trade volumes indicate positive developments and increasing interest of the Lithuanian business in the Armenian market. During the first ten months of 2011, bilateral trade volumes increased by 15 per cent.

At the meeting in Vilnius, the ministers also discussed relations between Armenia and the European Union, and the progress of the Association Agreement negotiations between Yerevan and Brussels.

Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy welcomed Armenia’s progress in these negotiations and stressed that the progress of the implementation of recommendations of the European Commission for reforms and administrative capabilities enable Armenia to open negotiations on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with EU already this year.

“We hope that EU will soon open negotiations on Armenia’s joining the free trade area,” Ažubalis said.

He assured his Armenian counterpart that Lithuania was ready to share its experience of reforms and European integration, and to implement joint projects in the framework of the EU Twinning Programme.

Ažubalis drew attention to the fact that Armenia could benefit from the experience of Lithuanian experts during the negotiations on the facilitation of travelling to the European Union for Armenian citizens.

“I do not doubt that the facilitation of travelling and the intensification of direct people-to-people contacts can give a positive impetus to the overall reform process in this country,” Ažubalis stressed.

Lithuanian and Armenian foreign ministers also signed a bilateral agreement on cultural cooperation.

“Intercultural relations and multicultural experience helps perhaps the best to remove barriers, encourage mutual respect and understanding,” Ažubalis said.