‘Now more than ever, democracies need to unite to defend common values and a rules-based world order. I sincerely hope and believe that diplomatic negotiations can indeed achieve normalisation and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The road to peace is not easy, but it is the only way to achieve stability and prosperity in Armenia and in the entire region,’ said the Prime Minister. She also noted that Armenia was going through very difficult times. The Prime Minister expressed her sincere condolences for all the hardships and traumas suffered by the people who had to leave their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh.
During her meetings with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, Ms Šimonytė noted that Lithuanian Prime Ministers visited other countries in the region on several occasions but have so far overtaken Armenia. ‘I am glad that we with Prime Minister Pashinian have finally managed to correct this historical injustice’, the Prime Minister told the press conference.
The visit extensively covered Armenia's efforts to strengthen democratic reforms and deepen relations with the European Union. The Prime Minister underlined Lithuania’s readiness to continue expert support for the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and other reforms in Armenia, especially in the areas of renewable energy, transport, environment, judiciary and others.
On 19 October, the Prime Minister met with Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturian and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, paid tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, and visited TUMO, a youth centre for creative technologies. On 20 October, the plans are to hold a meeting with the Head of the European Union Civilian Mission (EUMA) in Armenia, Markus Knight, at the headquarters in Yeghegnadzor.
On 4 October, the Government of Lithuania allocated EUR 350,000 in financial and humanitarian assistance to the Government of Armenia, as well as the humanitarian aid requested by the Armenian Government in the face of the influx of refugees from Nagorno Karabakh.
