Lithuanian ministers voice support for Armenia's diversification aspirations

VILNIUS – The Lithuanian ministers of foreign affairs and economy and innovation on Monday expressed support for Armenia's diversification ambitions and vowed to share Lithuania's experience.

Gabrielius Landsbergis and Ausrine Armonaite met with Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan in Vilnius and discussed Armenia’s democratic reforms, its ambition to diversify its political and economic partnerships, the prospects for bilateral economic cooperation, the strengthening of relations between the European Union and Armenia, and the security situation in the South Caucasus.

Landsbergis shared Lithuania's experience in strengthening energy independence and countering economic coercion, and welcomed the effective economic diplomacy system, the Lithuanian foreign ministry said in a press release.

With Armenia currently facing similar challenges, the Lithuanian top diplomat confirmed Lithuania's readiness to support Armenia in strengthening its resilience against external threats.

During the meeting, the ministers identified potential areas for deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including food technology, start-ups, information and communication technologies, and tourism.

Landsbergis also congratulated Armenia on the launch of a dialogue with the European Union on visa liberalization.

“This will undoubtedly contribute to even closer ties between the people of Lithuania and Armenia, and stronger business ties,” he said.

While discussing the security situation in the South Caucasus, Landsbergis expressed hope that peace in the region would be achieved in the near future. In this context, the minister also noted the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

Armenia, a traditional ally of Russia, has been increasingly turning to the United States and the European Union after Azerbaijan's victory in Nagorno-Karabakh.

This summer, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that his country needs a new constitution because the current one “does not reflect the citizens' vision of relations with neighboring countries”.