Lithuanian PM holds talks with Azerbaijan leaders on ties, security

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Ali Asadov and parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova in Azerbaijan on Thursday to discuss economic ties and regional security.

Ruginiene stated that Lithuania supports closer relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan to enhance security, stability, and economic prosperity, noting that energy cooperation remains a top priority.

"In a time of growing instability and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, cooperation between our countries is even more vital. Lithuania firmly supports efforts to achieve a sustainable peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, welcomes the progress made, and advocates for continued regional stability," Ruginiene posted on social media platform X.

Ruginiene emphasised that the meetings revealed clear potential for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

"We focused on economic cooperation, energy, connectivity, as well as regional and global developments, highlighting the importance of strengthening partnerships in security and resilience, including the response to hybrid threats," she added.

Following her meeting with the parliamentary speaker, Ruginiene noted that the two countries share a history of solidarity, having supported each other during their respective struggles for independence.

For his part, President Aliyev stressed that the Prime Minister's visit would contribute to the development of bilateral relations, adding that his country is initiating peace in the region and seeking to establish trade relations with Armenia.

During the visit, Ruginiene highlighted the growing importance of cultural and academic exchanges between Lithuania and Azerbaijan, noting that Lithuanian universities have become attractive study destinations and serve as significant human bridges between the two nations.

The Prime Minister also visited Khazar University in Baku, where she met with its leadership and delivered a welcoming address at the opening of a Lithuanian photography exhibition dedicated to the people of Ukraine who fled their country due to the war.