LITHUANIA WILL HELP AZERBAIJAN'S INTEGRATION INTO EUROPE

-How will the official visit of President Aliyev influence relations between Azerbaijan and Lithuania?

- I still remember the warm and friendly atmosphere I felt during the visit to Azerbaijan in June. We then had a very constructive dialogue with the Azerbaijani president. It is with great satisfaction that I am waiting for a meeting with him in Vilnius in September. I believe in its historic significance for it will be the first visit of the Azerbaijani president to Lithuania. We will have another opportunity to discuss the specifics of our bilateral relations which are already developing quite rapidly. I would like to note with satisfaction that over recent years relations between Azerbaijan and Lithuania have been vibrant and thriving. Historical ties between our countries have been there for centuries. Friendly partnership relations are developing between our nations and they facilitate the further cementing of the bilateral relationship.

We support Azerbaijan's pro-European course, the institutionalization of Azerbaijan's relations with NATO and the EU through the Neighbourhood Policy and IPAP plan. Lithuania would like to share with Azerbaijan its experience of integrating into these bodies and of carrying out reforms. 

This year our countries exchanged embassies. Lithuania opened its embassy in Azerbaijan and recently the ambassador of Azerbaijan to Lithuania presented his credentials to me. I believe that during President Aliyev's visit to Lithuania we will touch on the most important issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations and regional cooperation. We will find a way to coordinate our efforts in specific spheres, such as energy security, NATO and EU integration. Azerbaijan's role as a supplier of energy resources to Europe is on the rise and we hope that we will be able to promote the idea of expanding ties in this regard. A business forum is also planned during the visit.

- An energy forum will be held in Vilnius in October and it is being described as the continuation of the Krakow energy forum, which Russia's State Duma dubbed "anti-Russian". Do you think this forum might well provoke a similar response?

- I cannot agree that the Vilnius conference on energy security issues is anti-Russian or is directed against any other country. The objective of the summit is a joint search for ways and methods of strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between the main producers of energy resources, suppliers and transit countries. We believe that open dialogue, mutual trust and transparency are the basic elements for successful cooperation. We also invited high-ranking people from Russia to attend the conference. This proves once again that there is no way the conference could be used against this country.

- At the Krakow summit Ukraine, Lithuania, Georgia and Azerbaijan reached agreement on setting up a joint energy company which will work on the Odessa - Brody project. Has any progress been made in this regard?

- I believe that the Odessa - Brody - Plotsk - Gdansk pipeline project is one of the most significant options for diversifying oil supplies. This is true both for the countries through which the pipeline will lie and the EU itself. An intergovernmental group was set up following the Krakow summit and it includes representatives of Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. This group is working towards realizing the Odessa - Brody - Plotsk - Gdansk project. By the end of the year the technical and economic feasibility study of the Odessa - Brody pipeline up to the Polish seaport of Gdansk is expected to be ready. We will try to develop this project to ensure that it is of interest to Europe and that it is implemented as soon as possible.

- How do you assess the prospects of the TransCaspian project? What is the role of this project in supplying Central Asian oil to Eastern Europe? Is Lithuania interested in the project?

- The EU is interested in purchasing oil and gas from the Caspian basin exporters. We know that all major oil and gas pipelines from the region cross Russia. We believe that ensuring unhindered transit would be a very positive step on the side of Russia. At the same time we have to develop new infrastructure projects related to exporting oil and gas from the Caspian region. In this context energy projects such as the TransCaspian are of vast importance. They will boost the European policy of energy security and will raise the international geo-energy status of the Caspian region.

- The volume of trade between our countries is not that big. What needs to be done to increase it?

- The volume of trade is really small and does not reflect the economic potential. There are reasons for that: the large distance, complex transport links, various conditions for business and so on. But I am sure that these obstacles will be surmounted. I am glad that Azerbaijan displayed interest in the route of ferry links between Poti and Ilyichevsk and onwards via rail to the port of Klaipeda. We should focus attention on developing ties in the spheres of industry, trade, real estate, tourism and finance. Lithuanian businessmen are very keen on the South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's economy is growing rapidly, necessary reforms are being carried out and economic freedom is rising. Visits of businessmen and organization of fairs facilitate the development of economic relations. Hence, I invite Azerbaijani representatives to attend such events held in Lithuania. Businessmen from both countries can share their knowledge and expertise: Lithuanians on establishing ties with Baltic countries and Azerbaijanis - with Central Asia and the Middle East. We tasked our diplomacy with reinforcing economic relations. I hope that opening embassies in both countries will play a vital part in this.

- What is the position of Lithuania on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict?

- The frozen conflicts are a big problem for the countries embroiled in them and hinder the development of the region in general. The Nagornyy Karabakh conflict makes it impossible to fully utilize the region's potential. The lack of a peace treaty is a source of threat for the stability and security of neighbouring countries. Lithuania wants to inform the European Union countries of this and strives to play a more active role in resolving the conflict. Some countries of the EU are involved in the process through the Minsk Group. We believe that after the sides reach a compromise the EU will take an active part in the subsequent settlement with assistance for a peacemaking mission. We want to take part in this mission of the EU. Our parliament has decided to deploy Lithuanian peacemakers in special regions, including the South Caucasus.

- In June 2007 you attended the Baku summit of GUAM. Does Lithuania want to become a member of the organization?

- We approve and support the joint efforts of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova aimed at increasing and strengthening stability and democracy in the region. This summit gave the members of the organization ample opportunities to discuss future cooperation, as well as to establish partnership with other countries. I highly value the participation of our country as an observer in GUAM since this organization deals with resolving democracy issues, the energy security of Lithuania and Europe, the development of trade networks and the resolution of "frozen conflicts".