Lithuanian, Omani officials discuss energy ties as EU shifts away from Russian resources

VILNIUS – As the European Union plans to phase out Russian energy resources, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi on Tuesday discussed the development of energy ties between the bloc and Muscat.

Nauseda said during the meeting in Vilnius that "the current geopolitical situation has made it necessary for Europe to reduce its dependence on Russian energy resources faster, so it is interested in increasing its energy imports from the Gulf states", the president's office said in a press release.

The EU is looking for new import destinations after the bloc has agreed to ban 90 percent of Russian oil imports by the end of the year.

Nauseda and Albusaidi also discussed the development of economic and political cooperation with Oman. 

The Lithuanian president sees the greatest cooperation potential in the IT, life sciences, solar energy, liquefied gas and financial technology sectors, according to the press release.

Nauseda invited Oman to establish its embassy in Vilnius.

The Omani minister was presented with the Cross of Commander of the Order for Merits to Lithuania during his visit to Vilnius.

Lithuania and Oman this year are marking 30 years of their diplomatic relations.