Lithuania vows to help Armenia build resilience, support Moldova against Russian threats

VILNIUS - Lithuania will help Armenia to build resilience and will assist Moldova in countering Russian threats, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Friday.

Budrys held separate phone calls with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi.

According to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, Budrys and his Armenian counterpart discussed bilateral cooperation issues and Lithuania's support for Armenia's efforts to strengthen its resilience and enhance relations with the European Union.

"Lithuania is ready to expand its support for democratic reforms in Armenia and share expert experience in strengthening Armenia's resilience in areas such as the economy, energy, anti-corruption, and security. The EU-Armenia dialogue on visa-free travel is a major step in bringing our people closer together and opening up new opportunities to develop business, academic and cultural ties," Budrys said in the press release.

The Lithuanian minister emphasized the need to prevent Russia from circumventing sanctions and urged Armenia to step up its support for Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression.

"The outcome and conditions of this war will have a significant impact on the future and security of not only Ukraine but also the countries of the South Caucasus and our entire region," Budrys said.

"It is in the interest of all of us that the aggressor be defeated and that international relations continue to be governed by international law, respecting the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," he added.

Budrys and Popsoi discussed bilateral ties, Moldova's EU membership talks, energy security, and Chisinau's response to Russia's interference in its democratic processes.

Lithuania's top diplomat congratulated Moldova's pro-European forces on their victory in the recent Moldovan presidential election and the referendum on the country's European integration path.

"A secure, stable and successfully EU-integrating Moldova is in Lithuania's national security interest. We will continue to fully support you. However, the most important thing now is to solidify the Moldovan people's support for your chosen foreign and security policy direction," he added.

Pro-European President Maia Sandu won Moldova's presidential election in November, defeating her pro-Russian opponent.

The ministers discussed boosting Moldova's resilience to Russian threats. Budrys affirmed Lithuania's readiness to continue supporting Moldova in its fight against these challenges.

They also discussed Lithuania's development cooperation projects in Moldova and challenges faced by the country's energy sector.