The official welcoming ceremony of the President of Lithuania took place at the Presidential Palace of Armenia this morning.
The presidents held a joint press conference after their meeting in Yerevan.
The presidents had a comprehensive discussion on the current state and prospects of the Armenian-Lithuanian relations, as well as a broad circle of agenda issues relating to bilateral friendly relations.
President Vahagn Khachaturyan said that the high-level visits between the two countries show the strong ties coming from the depth of centuries and the continuation of relations based on similar value system, as well as the determination to expand bilateral cooperation.
“The readiness to deepen inter-state relations was reiterated from both sides. Special attention was paid to the possibilities of increasing trade volumes and deepening bilateral economic cooperation. In this context we discussed prospects of partnership in industry, IT, renewable energy, agriculture and other areas,” President Khachaturyan said.
In this context they highlighted the need for a visit of the UNESCO expert mission to Artsakh to the territories that have gone under Azerbaijani control.
President Vahagn Khachaturyan said that the high-level visits between the two countries show the strong ties coming from the depth of centuries and the continuation of relations based on similar value system, as well as the determination to expand bilateral cooperation.
Khachaturyan said they also discussed Armenia’s efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region. “The efforts of Lithuania and Armenia are identical in this matter. The need for preserving the Armenian cultural monuments in Artsakh and under the Azerbaijani control was specially emphasized. President Nausėda vowed to provide every support for the preservation of the Armenian Christian cultural legacy,” the Armenian President said.
“Started my visit to Armenia – important EU partner in the Caucasus region. Welcome the commitment of Armenian government to pursue democratic reforms. Lithuania stands in favor of closer EU-Armenia cooperation. Thank you Vahagn Khachaturyan for a warm welcome!”
This is the first visit of the Lithuanian President to Armenia. He said he is very impressed by the hospitality. He reminded that Lithuania was the first country to recognize the independence of Armenia in 1991.
“Since then we have supported your efforts, as well as your transition to democratic values. Lithuania supports the Eastern Partnership programs. Lithuania supports Armenia’s integration to the European family”, he said, adding that they are presenting a broad framework in the Armenia-EU relations.
The Lithuanian President also welcomed the efforts of the Armenian government particularly in the justice system. “We want you to continue this path of democracy that will lead to your socio-economic development”, he said.
Gitanas Nausėda also touched upon the issue of the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Lithuania supports reaching an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan”, he said, stating that the efforts of the President of the European Council Charles Michel are also directed to this.
He said in the morning he had a chance to lay flowers at the Armenian Genocide Memorial. “This is something that should never happen again on this earth”, Gitanas Nausėda said.
Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, the Lithuanian President said freedom is highly important for the entire democratic world, adding that it is necessary to support Ukrainians with all means.
The President of Lithuania expressed confidence that his visit will contribute to the deepening of the relations between Armenia and Lithuania, and the peoples of the two countries. He said he sees a great potential in this regard. Gitanas Nausėda believes that it is possible to benefit in different areas of the bilateral relations, such as business, culture, education, etc.
President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda vowed during his meeting with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan to provide every support for the preservation of the Armenian cultural legacy that has gone under Azerbaijani control.
