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During his official visit to Armenia on 20-21 November, Lithuania‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas met with Armenia‘s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, Chairman of Armenia‘s  National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan, , Secretary of the Armenian National Security Council Artur Bagdasaryan and leader of the opposition, the first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Situation in Armenia and South Caucasus, Armenia‘s participation in the Eastern Partnership initiative of the European Union, sharing of Lithuania‘s European integration experience with Armenia and support to strengthening Armenia‘s administrative capacities, cooperation perspectives in the areas of economy and culture were discussed during the meetings.

Minister V.Ušackas welcomed agreements between Armenia and Turkey concerning establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border. The Minister highlighted an important role of Turkey in the South Caucasus and expressed trust that the signed agreements would soon be ratified by the parliaments of both countries and would contribute to the strengthening of confidence and security all over the region.

“I expect that confidence and regional cooperation will replace fear and hatred in the South Caucasus“, Minister V.Ušackas said.

Lithuania‘s head of diplomacy urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to base negotiations concerning Nagorno-Karabakh on the universally acknowledged principles of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

“Resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is important not only to Armenia and Azerbaijan but also to the whole region of South Caucasus“, Lithuania‘s foreign minister noted.

Minister V.Ušackas expressed positive assessment about closer Armenia‘s involvement with the EU, its active participation in the Eastern Partnership initiative and encouraged to be consistent and focused on political and economic reforms which would open up the possibilities for Armenia to negotiate with the EU concerning the Association Agreement as well as deep and comprehensive free trade agreement.

During the meetings, possible areas of Lithuania‘s aid to Armenia was discussed. Armenian officials expressed interest to learn about Lithuania‘s experience in the fields of standardization and  phytosanitary, as well as in optimizing the customs activities.

The Minister highlighted the importance of respecting human rights and freedoms, rule of law and democracy to the success of Armenia‘s internal reforms and European integration. “Being a member of European family means cherishing and protecting fundamental democracy values”, Minister V.Ušackas said.

The Minister was positive about Armenia‘s decision to send 30 soldiers to Afghanistan in 2010.

In the second half-year of 2009, Lithuania‘s embassy in Armenia is representing the Swedish EU Presidency.