APA conducted an exclusive interview with Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Inga Ruginiene.
Lithuania encourages the European Union to further expand economic cooperation with Azerbaijan
Question: Madam Prime Minister, how do you see the potential for increasing the European Union’s financial or technical support in advancing regional connectivity projects in the South Caucasus?
PM Ruginienė: Lithuania views positively initiatives that strengthen regional connectivity and economic cooperation in the South Caucasus. At the same time, our approach is broader – we support not only individual infrastructure projects, but also the overall development of practical economic ties with Azerbaijan. We see Azerbaijan as an important partner with a significant role in connecting different regions.
Lithuania encourages the European Union to further expand economic cooperation with Azerbaijan across transport, logistics, and energy sectors. The EU can contribute through financial instruments, technical expertise, and regulatory alignment, helping ensure that projects are sustainable and reliable. We do see potential for increased EU engagement in advancing regional connectivity, particularly where it contributes to broader economic resilience and diversification.
All partners, including the European Union, should contribute to maintaining long-term stability
Question: How does official Vilnius assess the current progress in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
PM Ruginienė: Lithuania positively assesses the recent progress and welcomes the fact that Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the support of the United States and the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, have reached a peace agreement. This is an important step for the entire region.
The key priority now is to ensure that this peace is sustained. We believe all partners, including the European Union, should contribute to maintaining long-term stability. Lithuania is ready to support this process both bilaterally and within the EU framework, by encouraging dialogue, confidence-building, and practical cooperation.
Lithuania considers cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan important
Question: How do you assess the current level of cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan? Can Azerbaijan’s role in the EU’s energy diversification strategy be further strengthened?
PM Ruginienė: Lithuania closely follows the developments in the Middle East and sees the situation as a serious challenge to international stability. We hope that the conflict involving Iran will be resolved as soon as possible through political and diplomatic means.
Such conflicts have a direct impact on the global economy, including energy markets, supply chains, and the investment environment. This inevitably affects the European Union, including Lithuania. Therefore, we are interested in rapid de-escalation and the achievement of sustainable peace.
Lithuania closely monitors developments in the Middle East
Question: What impact has the current situation in the Middle East, particularly the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, had on Lithuania and the European Union as a whole?
PM Ruginienė: Lithuania considers the cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan to be important, with significant untapped potential. We believe this partnership can be further expanded across a range of areas, including energy, transport, trade, innovation, and the green transition.
Azerbaijan already plays an important role in the EU’s energy diversification strategy. In the current geopolitical context, reliable and diversified energy supplies are of strategic importance for Europe.
