Lithuanian Deputy FM urges timely signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreemen

Lithuania welcomes the progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the agreements reached on the restoration of transport links, Lithuania’s Deputy Foreign Minister Audra Plepytė said in an interview with Armenpress during the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 international forum.

She noted that it is important to ensure the timely signing and ratification of the peace agreement, along with the full implementation of the other obligations stipulated in the Washington Declaration.

During the interview, Plepytė touched upon the current level of Armenia-Lithuania relations, Lithuania’s possible role in deepening Armenia-European Union cooperation, and the position of official Vilnius on recent developments in the South Caucasus, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process.

The Lithuanian deputy foreign minister also expressed hope that the European Union would be able to contribute to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

According to Plepytė, in the context of the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) transit project, Vilnius sees an opportunity to make a concrete contribution by offering its experience with the facilitated Kaliningrad transit model.

-Ms.Plepytė, how would you assess the current state of bilateral relations between Lithuania and Armenia?

-This year Lithuania and Armenia celebrate the 35th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, and I’m glad that it is not only “on paper”, but we can see it in practice: in the last few years, we have significantly intensified our relations. Our bilateral agenda is full of high-level meetings and increasing cooperation on practical, sectoral level. Ready to continue and strengthen this cooperation even further.

Lithuania consistently supports Armenia’s commitment to a comprehensive reform agenda based on democracy, transparency and the rule of law. Ready to enhance our cooperation in the areas of border management and security, strategic communication and the fight against disinformation, renewable energy, transport, environmental protection, judicial sector and other areas.

I see strong potential for closer cooperation in areas such as energy independence, trade diversification, and the green transition. These are all critical pillars for the long-term development of any country. Lithuania has navigated these challenges firsthand and has valuable experience to share.

Lithuania is open for the discussion on expanding bilateral trade. Areas for exploration and potential mutual interest – ICT, Edtech, food and food-tech industry, tourism, renewables, startups.

Lithuania actively supports Armenia’s pursuit of closer ties with the European Union. The first EU–Armenia summit, recently held in Yerevan, marks an important step forward. With the launch of the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue and the signing of a Strategic Agenda for EU-Armenia partnership, the process has gained meaningful momentum—benefiting both Armenia’s future and Europe’s overall security and resilience.

-How would you comment on the participation of the Lithuanian Prime Minister in the 8th Summit of the European Political Community held in Yerevan on May 4?

– We welcome Armenia hosting high level events these days – the 8th EPC Summit, the first-ever EU–Armenia summit and the 3rd Yerevan dialogue.

It is a pleasure that our Prime Minister, Ms Ruginienė, had the opportunity to participate in these important talks in Yerevan. Prime Minister emphasised the need to maintain focus on supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression and on strengthening cooperation among European countries to enhance security and resilience.

In discussions with European leaders, the Prime Minister also raised the issue of hybrid threats, stressing the importance of increasing collective resilience and energy security. A separate roundtable discussion also addressed strengthening democratic resilience and countering hybrid threats.

As the Prime Minister noted, the partnership with the United States of America is of strategic importance to the continent – a constructive cooperation based on mutual respect and a shared focus on security is in our common interest.

During a warm and constructive bilateral meeting, Prime Minister, Ms Ruginienė, and Armenian Prime Minister, Mr Pashinyan, discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing EU–Armenia cooperation.

– What are your expectations from the Yerevan Dialogue, and how do you assess its potential role in fostering regional and international dialogue?

-We congratulate Armenia on establishing this format. This initiative represents a meaningful forum for discussions that go beyond regional matters and also address wider, and even global, cooperation priorities. We see strong potential for enhancing connectivity, expanding trade, and deepening people-to-people ties across the regions.

Lithuania actively supports the development of regional connectivity and unblocking of trade routes. Connectivity is also about people – people-to-people initiatives will strengthen societal resilience and facilitate exchanges in education, culture, and youth, thereby fostering long-term mutual understanding. This will bring tangible benefits, prosperity and stability to all populations in the South Caucasus and beyond. The EU is contributing to this effort through its “Global Gateway Strategy” and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, in close coordination with partners.

In this context, we welcome the progress in the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process and the agreements reached on the restoration of transport links. We also welcome the positive developments in the Armenia–Türkiye normalization process that are key for expanding inter-regional cooperation.

-Lithuania has been a consistent supporter of closer Armenia–European Union cooperation. In which areas do you see the greatest potential for further engagement, particularly regarding democratic reforms and institutional development in Armenia?

-You are absolutely right. During the last years, Lithuania has actively supported the deepening EU–Armenia cooperation, including a more comprehensive dialogue, the democratic reforms in Armenia, its approximation to the EU standards, the launch of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue, which is also now the object of our bilateral cooperation in the key areas, such as migration, border management, document security, internal reforms. We are ready to share our experience in the processes related to the EU integration.

We welcome the outcomes of the first EU–Armenia summit – the launch of the Connectivity Partnership to develop resilient transport connections, energy networks, and digital links, and the launch of negotiations for the Security of information Agreement. We strongly welcome and stand ready to support with our expertise the new EU Partnership Mission in Armenia, which will further enhance Armenia’s democratic resilience. We also invite Armenia to consider the possibility of joining the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.

These decisions are marking a new stage in our cooperation, and Lithuania looks forward to its further deepening.

The Strategic Agenda for the EU–Armenia Partnership, signed last December, provides an ambitious political framework guiding our cooperation in the coming years. It will enable to expand also our bilateral relations.

Looking ahead, Lithuania also encourages discussions on the revision of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the renewal of negotiations on the EU–Armenia Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) component. This would make a meaningful contribution to Armenia’s economic diversification efforts. It is worth recalling that prior to the 2013 policy shift, the European Union was Armenia’s largest trading partner.

-How does Lithuania view the ongoing peace process in the South Caucasus?

-We welcome the initialling of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Treaty and the agreements reached on the restoration of transport links, witnessed by President Trump at the White House on August 8th—a historic milestone marking a major breakthrough toward ending decades of conflict. It is now crucial to ensure the timely signing and ratification of the Treaty, alongside the full implementation of the other commitments outlined in the trilateral declaration. Peace would greatly benefit both countries, their people, and the wider South Caucasus region by creating new opportunities for institutional and social development, strengthening people-to-people ties, and improving regional connectivity through transport, trade, and energy projects. A lasting settlement could also boost investment, economic growth, regional stability, and the South Caucasus’ role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

We see promising signs of emerging cooperation: return of 4 Armenian political prisoners by Azerbaijan, fuel transit, and discussions on potential commercial exchanges.

We hope that the EU will also be able to contribute to these processes, offering its support. In the context of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) transit project, we see a concrete opportunity to contribute, offering our experience with the facilitated Kaliningrad transit model that could be adapted in the South Caucasus.

The transit scheme would help align smooth movement with reliable control, respecting Armenia’s sovereign territory while also addressing Azerbaijan’s concerns about free but secure movement of people and goods, as well as transparent inspection procedures.