Lithuanian president calls on Armenian PM to step up implementation of democratic reforms

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Monday called on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to step up implementation of democratic reforms.

The Lithuanian leader pointed out during a bilateral meeting that, during the elections, the democratic government led by Pashinyan had received a strong mandate from Armenian people for the implementation of reforms.

According to Nauseda, the European Union’s involvement in strengthening institutions and deeper economic ties with Armenia was an aspiration.

He also stressed that Lithuania supported Armenia on the challenging path of democratic reforms and offered Lithuania’s assistance in implementing reforms in the law and order, fight against corruption and other areas, the presidential office said in a press release.

“The upcoming Eastern Partnership summit, that will draw cooperation guidelines between this region and the EU, is important to Lithuania. We are ready to share our experience and send experts to assist Armenia in making firm steps along the path of democracy,” the press release quoted Nauseda as saying.

He also noted that, thirty years ago, Lithuania was the first country to recognize Armenia’s independence and that this year was special for Armenia and Lithuania as it marked the 30th anniversary of the established diplomatic relations.