(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 27. Lithuania
champions two-tracked strategy for enhancing Middle Corridor in
cooperation with Azerbaijan, Kęstutis Vaškelevičius, the
newly-appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Republic of Lithuania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview
with Trend .
“Azerbaijan and Lithuania could collaborate to further develop
the Middle Corridor along two key tracks. First, Lithuania, as a
member of the European Union, supports the Global Gateway
initiative. Global Gateway is the EU's strategy to enhance secure
digital, transport, and energy links, while also strengthening
international partnerships. The European Union is a crucial partner
in this regard, and Lithuania, as an EU member, can play a
significant role in supporting Azerbaijan in Brussels. The second
track would focus on what our national institutions or companies
can contribute to this development,” he said.
Vaškelevičius recalled that last October, the director of
Klaipeda Port visited Azerbaijan, including Baku Port and the Alat
Free Economic Zone.
“These are key actors in the development of the Middle Corridor.
During his visit, they held discussions on how to strengthen their
partnership and explore opportunities for future cooperation in
both shipbuilding and shipping, which could bring added value to
the Middle Corridor. In this context, Klaipeda Port could play an
important role in facilitating the growth and efficiency of the
corridor,” said the ambassador.
He went on to add that Lithuania has extensive experience, when
it comes to connectivity and infrastructure, especially in
understanding how they can be used as tools against countries,
particularly smaller ones.
“We faced numerous challenges when Russia attempted to use
energy as a means of blackmail. I think most, if not all, of
Russia's neighbors are familiar with how Moscow employs not only
energy and infrastructure but even food exports as leverage. For
instance, if a neighboring country tries to pursue an independent
policy that Russia disapproves of, it's not uncommon for the
veterinary services to suddenly "discover" issues with that
country's products the very next day. In this context, Lithuania
has been at the forefront of efforts to achieve energy
independence. We took proactive steps to construct transport and
energy links that would reduce our reliance on Russia,” said
Vaškelevičius.
He pointed out that Lithuania was the first country in the
European Union to achieve full energy independence from Russia,
covering both gas and oil.
“We built one of the first LNG terminals in Klaipeda and
constructed an oil terminal, paving the way for alternative energy
routes. From our own experience, we understand the critical
importance of developing routes that are not dependent on
authoritarian or aggressive states. In this context, we view
initiatives like TRACECA, the Middle Corridor, and the Southern Gas
Corridor as vital projects. These not only enhance security for the
regions and countries involved but also bring greater prosperity to
their people. It is essential that these corridors-whether for
energy or transport-are used to advance economic relations,
strengthen economies, and support businesses, rather than being
exploited for political purposes. For businesses and economies to
thrive, it is crucial that these links and corridors operate based
on economic logic, not political agendas,” said the envoy.
In this context, he believes it is crucial to develop corridors
that are independent and serve as alternatives to those on which
both Asia and Europe have relied for so many decades.
“Unfortunately, this longstanding dependence not only generated
significant economic benefits for certain actors but also had
profound economic and political consequences.”
Investment opportunities
Talking about the investment opportunities, the ambassador
mainly focused on renewables and agriculture.
“Regarding Karabakh, we see that some Lithuanian companies are
interested in the region, with an investment made last year by the
furniture company Dominari. In terms of sectors of interest, I
believe energy, especially renewable energy, is a key area for
cooperation. This sector brings significant benefits to both sides,
and Azerbaijan is one of the most active countries in pursuing the
economic opportunities presented by renewable energy, especially
with the presidency of COP29. Lithuania can contribute its
expertise in this area. While we may not have vast financial
resources to offer, we can provide valuable know-how. Lithuania has
undergone a remarkable transition since independence, moving from
100% dependence on Soviet oil and gas to energy independence. Next
month, Lithuania will complete its transition to full independence
from Russia, with our electricity system being connected to the
European grid on February 8. Before, we already built electricity
connections to Poland and DC cables to Sweden,” said
Vaškelevičius.
He pointed out that infrastructure development is crucial when
Azerbaijan is planning to develop renewables.
“While it's possible to build renewable energy sites, it's
equally important to think about how to connect them to the grid.
Renewables are especially challenging because their output
fluctuates depending on factors like wind and sunlight. Lithuania's
experience in overcoming such challenges could be very valuable for
Azerbaijan as it pursues its renewable energy goals,” said the
envoy.
The Lithuanian ambassador believes the agricultural sector is
very important.
“I don't think Azerbaijan has fully utilized its capacity to
export its products to the global market. Lithuania exports a wide
range of products, from dairy items like milk, yogurt, and cheese,
to bread, reaching markets worldwide, including Japan, which is a
significant export market. It's a complex and extensive logistics
chain. We incorporated many innovative solutions and modernized the
process, especially in how to package products to keep them fresh,
even months after being opened, in remote markets around the world.
This is an area where Azerbaijan can also benefit from such
expertise. There are considerable untapped opportunities. Now, it's
up to business-to-business cooperation, and part of my role is to
identify where our interests align and where we can create mutually
beneficial partnerships,” he said.
Vaškelevičius also mentioned another initiative that he believes
could be significant for Azerbaijan's climate-friendly policies:
the deposit system for recycling.
“Lithuania is a global leader in recycling plastic bottles, and
we have developed an extremely efficient deposit system. For every
drink, juice, or water bottle purchased, people pay an additional
10 euro cents. When they return the empty bottle to the system,
they get that 10 cents back. As a result, we have achieved a 95
percent return rate. This system works for both environmental and
financial motivation. For some, it's about being conscious of
nature and doing the right thing, but for others, it's a financial
incentive to return the bottles. This is a policy that directly
contributes to protecting the environment. I know Azerbaijan is
very interested in such initiatives, and we are ready to share our
experience in implementing a system that functions almost at 100
percent efficiency,” he explained.
Opening direct flights
As for the direct flights, the ambassador said that the
discussions are ongoing.
“When I first arrived, one of the key discussion points was
about establishing direct flights, and I must say, it's an
essential step. The Vice Minister of Transportation visited Baku,
and discussions with the Azerbaijani side took place. The good news
is that both the government and the people are interested in having
direct flights. However, the bad news is that it can't happen
immediately, as there is not yet a large, obvious demand. That
said, the demand is growing, as many Lithuanians are eager to
rediscover Azerbaijan and explore the increasing interest in the
country,” added Vaškelevičius.
Lithuania-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental
Commission
Vaškelevičius noted that the Lithuania-Azerbaijan
Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation is a very
important body in our relations.
“The last meeting took place in Vilnius in 2023, so, according
to diplomatic practice, the next meeting should be held in
Azerbaijan. Both sides are interested in holding this commission,
and we are currently in discussions with the Azerbaijani side.
However, we do not yet have a specific date for the meeting, as it
will not be in the immediate future. This is due to recent
elections in Lithuania and the subsequent change of government. We
need to assess the timing and the topics to be discussed. At this
stage, I would say that we are preparing for the meeting, and it
will definitely take place, as it is also in Lithuania's interest
to have this commission,” he said.
Business contacts
He recalled that when Lithuania's president visited Baku in 2022
and President Ilham Aliyev visited Vilnius in 2023, both visits
were accompanied by business delegations, and several memorandums
were signed between various companies and educational
institutions.
“High-level visits, whether by presidents, prime ministers, or
ministers, greatly contribute to strengthening these ties. As we
discussed earlier regarding the Intergovernmental Commission, we
hope that future visits-though we do not know the exact dates
yet-will also be accompanied by business sector participation.
Additionally, business-to-business cooperation remains a crucial
aspect of our relations. We constantly see mutual business interest
between our countries. Looking ahead, I would say that our embassy
actively promotes various exhibitions for Lithuanian businesses,
such as those hosted here in Azerbaijan. Lithuania hosts a biannual
Life Sciences Forum, which I know is of great interest to the
Azerbaijani side, given its focus on fields like pharmaceuticals,
IT, and bioengineering. Lithuania's Life Sciences Forum, the
largest in the region, will take place in September 2025. We will
also have a significant space exhibition in May, and we hope that
Azerbaijani companies will participate in exhibitions in Vilnius,
while Lithuanian companies will be present at exhibitions in Baku,”
said the envoy.
Priorities in further developing bilateral
ties
Vaškelevičius noted that as the new ambassador, his first and
foremost priority is to strengthen the friendly relations between
the two nations.
“We have a very strong foundation of those relations, because
our nations supported each other in their fight for independence
and freedom. We supported each other back in 1918. Lithuania was
one of the few countries that had a consulate in Baku at the time,
which operated for two years. We shared very similar experiences
during the years of occupation and in our fight to defend freedom.
Azerbaijan has recently commemorated the January 20 tragedy. Let me
once again reiterate Lithuania's condolences to the Azerbaijani
people for the January 20 tragedy, as well as express admiration
for the courage you demonstrated. January 20 was a very tragic
event, but at the same time, you defended your freedom,” he
said.
The ambassador pointed out that Azerbaijan emerged from the
January 20 tragedy stronger and more united, just as Lithuania did
during the January 13 events in Vilnius a year later.
“Both of our nations faced similar attempts by the Soviet army
to suppress our independence, and during those difficult times, we
supported each other. The Azerbaijani people stood with Lithuania
during the January 13 events, both here in Baku and through the
Azerbaijani community in Lithuania. Our nations understand the true
value of freedom. From my conversations with many Azerbaijanis here
in Baku, it's clear they remember and deeply appreciate this
solidarity. I believe this shared history forms a very strong
foundation for further strengthening our relations,” said
Vaškelevičius.
The ambassador noted that the strong foundation of relations is
further reinforced by the strategic partnership agreement between
Lithuania and Azerbaijan, signed during President Ilham Aliyev's
visit to Vilnius in 2007.
“That visit truly opened many doors, fostering flourishing
relations between our nations. The framework of strategic relations
established at that time provides a solid platform for the embassy
and for me, as the new ambassador, to further strengthen our ties
and friendship. Our bilateral agenda includes a wide range of
important areas, such as economy, energy, education, health, and,
most notably, culture, which I believe plays a vital role in our
partnership,” he said.
The envoy also talked about the development of cultural
ties.
“Being here, I can see how much the Azerbaijani people value
culture and music. There are so many music schools, conservatories,
and theaters where one can enjoy beautiful performances. I also see
numerous monuments dedicated to your composers and musicians,
reflecting the nation's deep appreciation for literature, music,
and culture. I hope there is a similar interest in Lithuanian
culture, and I can already feel that connection. This year, we are
celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of our most famous
composer and painter, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The
embassy has planned a variety of events, concerts, and activities
to mark this milestone. I believe the cultural field is a vital
aspect of our bilateral relations, and the embassy is fully
committed to working on and strengthening this area,” he
concluded.
Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
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