Diplomatic Pouch: Interview with Lithuanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Valdas Lastauskas
Lithuania and Azerbaijan have a lot in common
In a private interview with AzerNews and Trend news agency, Lithuanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Valdas Lastauskas discussed a number of issues of interest to both countries and touching upon prospect of cooperation. The following are excerpts of the conversation.
Q: What will be your first steps as a new ambassador of
Lithuania to Azerbaijan? What will you emphasize in the development
of bilateral relations? What the spheres, in your opinion, have the
greatest potential for bilateral cooperation?
A: First of all I'd like to underscore that there
will not be any changes in the policy of the Lithuanian Embassy in
Azerbaijan, as the policy of Lithuania's foreign ministry and the
government in cooperation with foreign states has been defined, and
it is a good cooperation with all the neighbors.
The economic relations between Azerbaijan and Lithuania can be
brought as an example of such cooperation.
When the Lithuanian Embassy was just opened in Azerbaijan, the
import and export between the two countries were standing at the
minimal level, while today, these figures are up by several hundred
percent. However, both countries need to develop bilateral
relations and explore mutual potential.
My primary task is to learn more about Azerbaijan, how we can be
helpful to each other, as well as to realize this within specific
projects.
The two countries are in a constant contact in various fields, and
hold political consultations. For example, in October this year the
city of Shamkir will host a meeting of the intergovernmental
commission. This means we will see how we can improve bilateral
cooperation taking regions as an example.
Shamkir will also host a business forum, and representatives of
business circles of Lithuania will arrive in Azerbaijan to
participate in it. The two countries can learn many things from
each other in the fields of culture, education and sports.
Right now, there are such projects. Specifically, groups from
Azerbaijan are participating in many festivals and folklore
projects in Lithuania. Lithuania and Azerbaijan have a lot in
common. In particular, some architectural structures were built in
both countries by the Polish and Lithuanian architects.
Q: What can you say about the plans to bring Lithuanian
companies to Azerbaijan?
A: Today one can often see Lithuanian dairy
products in Azerbaijan, but probably few people know that Lithuania
is realizing strong projects in the IT and transport sectors, as
the country is located at the geographical crossroad of north and
south, east and west.
Few people know that Lithuania is developing biotechnologies, known
throughout the world, for instance, the technology for fast
cleaning of the environment after oil spills and man-made
disasters.
Only experts know that laser technologies, which are used in
everyday things surrounding people, are widely developed exactly in
Lithuania. Lithuania's experience could be useful in the fields of
designing, construction and services. Azerbaijan with its highly
qualified specialists can help us in some areas. This exchange of
experience can prompt our countries to implement certain joint
projects.
Q: The two countries still do not have a direct flight This
greatly complicates the development of tourism. What measures are
being taken in this direction?
A: The clinics in the Druskininkai resort, as well
as on the coast of the Baltic Sea in Palanga town are very popular
among tourists, including tourists from Azerbaijan.
Of course, the visa regime is a small barrier for the development
of tourism, however we always try to use the technical capabilities
of all responsible people to provide help.
The issue of making direct flights between Lithuania and Azerbaijan
is of great importance, as today, people do not want to spend a lot
of time flying. Unfortunately, currently no project has been
realized on establishing a direct flight. However, our embassy and
colleagues from Azerbaijan are working to resolve this issue. This
would help to further expand tourism between the two countries.
There is also a lot to see in both countries, and not having a
direct flight complicates mutual visits.
Q: Azerbaijan has rich experience in the oil and gas
sector, and is actively developing oil production projects onshore
and offshore. What cooperation prospects do you see between
Azerbaijan and Lithuania in this sphere?
A: Of course, Azerbaijan's resources contribute to
the strengthening of the country's independence.
After gaining independence, Lithuania had difficulties with the
supply of energy resources. For example, we depended on a single
supplier of natural gas, namely, Gazprom company, till 2014 and we
were connected to a single power distribution network from the
East.
However, Lithuania will open a LNG terminal in Klaipeda city sea
port this year. Even prior to being opened, it helped to agree on
new prices with some suppliers. This became possible thanks to the
Third Energy Package (TEP) and Lithuania was one of the first
countries which introduced it.
Today Lithuania is waiting for the opening of inter-connectors with
other European countries. A pipeline between Lithuania and Poland,
which will supply gas, will be commissioned in two years. A
transmission line between Lithuania and Sweden will be put into
operation in 2015.
All these projects will allow purchasing energy resources at market
prices. In this context, Lithuania sees excellent prospects for
cooperation with Azerbaijan, which decided to diversify its
supplies.
Both countries can cooperate in the implementation of the shale gas
production projects, in which both Lithuania and Azerbaijan are
interested.