Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Lithuania as a member of the European Union is ready to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of nuclear and radiation security.

This remark was made by Lithuanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Valdas Lastaukas on January 14 at an event dedicated to the results of joint project titled ‘Strengthening the radiation safety infrastructure and development of support services in Azerbaijan’, formed by the EU.

The ambassador highly appreciated the project results and thanked Azerbaijan for high-level cooperation.

“The Azerbaijani government provides significant support to Lithuania in implementation of projects in this field. Lithuania is ready to continue and expand cooperation with Azerbaijan,” he added.

Speaking at the event Director of the Radiation Safety Center of Lithuania Albinas Mastauskas said these projects made huge contribution to he development of nuclear and radiation safety of Azerbaijan.

He noted Azerbaijan’s legislation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety is in compliance with the EU legislation.

Acting Head of the State Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiation Operations of Azerbaijan Vugar Huseynov said the project has achieved positive results.

He noted Azerbaijan has made significant contribution in the field of nuclear and radiation safety, as well as the development of nuclear technologies.

Lithuania recognized Azerbaijan's independence on December 21, 1991. Diplomatic relations between two countries were established in November, 1992. The Lithuanian embassy was opened in Azerbaijan on April 3, 2007. The Azerbaijani embassy was opened in Lithuania in September 2007.

According to the statistics of Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee, foreign trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Lithuania increased by 9.4 percent in January-September 2013 compared to the same period last year and reached $17.58 million. During 2013, Azerbaijan's imports increased by 12.2 percent and reached $15.7 million, while exports decreased by 9.5 percent and reached $1.9 million.

Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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