Armenian and Lithuanian FMs discussed bilateral relations in Yerevan.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian held a meeting on Thursday with his Lithuanian counterpart Audronius Ažubalis, who is in on an official visit to Yerevan.

Minister Nalbandian stressed the specific nature of the Armenian-Lithuanian relations due to a number of factors: Lithuania was the first country to recognize Armenia's independence and establish diplomatic relations with Armenia in 1991; Armenia signed its first intergovernmental agreement with Lithuania; Lithuania was the first Baltic state to open its embassy in Yerevan and the only Baltic state Armenia opened its embassy in.

Minister Ažubalis expressed his gratitude for invitation to visit Armenia and satisfaction with recently intensified bilateral cooperation. He stressed the importance of intensive political dialogue, regular consultations between foreign ministries, solid legal framework, trade and economic cooperation and growth of cultural exchanges.

The Armenian and Lithuanian FMs thoroughly discussed bilateral relations, a number of regional and international issues, as well as the latest developments in Europe, Armenia-EU cooperation, cooperation within international organizations. In this context, the sides discussed preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Vilnius.

Ministers Nalbandian and Ažubalis exchanged views on the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. In this regard, Minister Ažubalis reaffirmed Lithuania’s commitment to a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group.

Minister Edward Nalbandian and Audronius Ažubalis held a joint news conference on the meeting results.