Government of the Republic of Lithuania

04/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/09/2026 07:59

Prime Minister in Azerbaijan: we have ample, still untapped opportunities for partnership

09-04-2026

Prime Minister in Azerbaijan: we have ample, still untapped opportunities for partnership

As part of the official visit to Baku, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė met on Thursday with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Ali Asadov, and Speaker of Parliament Sahiba Gafarova. Their discussions focused on bilateral and EU-Azerbaijan relations, opportunities for closer economic cooperation, the security situation in the South Caucasus, and the impact of Russia's war against Ukraine on the region.

"Our nations stood together in solidarity more than three decades ago as we each sought to restore our independence. Today, Lithuania regards Azerbaijan as an important partner in the region and supports closer EU-Azerbaijan ties that benefit both parties in terms of security, stability, and economic prosperity. Russia's war against Ukraine is destabilizing our regions and posing similar challenges to our countries, making our cooperation all the more important," said Prime Minister Ruginienė.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the only credible path to lasting peace lies in continued support for Ukraine and international pressure on Russia, including sanctions and efforts to prevent their circumvention, adding that Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine is both significant and highly valued.

Economic ties between Lithuania and Azerbaijan have significant room for growth-from high value-added sectors to the food industry-and the security dimension, including resilience to various hybrid threats, is becoming increasingly important. Closer cooperation between relevant institutions, along with the exchange of expertise and best practices, could further reinforce this area.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Azerbaijan's key role in strengthening the EU's energy security and diversifying energy supplies, as well as its importance in developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Route with a view to improving connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Lithuania's firm support for a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as for all practical EU initiatives aimed at normalizing relations and ensuring long-term stability in the region.

The growing importance of cultural and academic ties and exchanges between Lithuania and Azerbaijan was also emphasized. Lithuanian universities are becoming an increasingly attractive destination for students and thus serving as meaningful bridges between the two countries.

This was also discussed at Prime Minister's meeting with the leadership of Khazar University in Baku. Visiting the university, Prime Minister delivered opening remarks at a Lithuanian photography exhibition dedicated to Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homeland because of the war.

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