Azerbaijan and Lithuania are interested in development of not only economic ties: Chairman of Seim of Lithuania

"The Lithuanian and Azerbaijani side, including me, and the Chairman of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, are interested in ensuring that the relations between our countries would be as diverse and extensive as possible not only in economic sphere, Valinskas said in an exclusive interview with Trend News. - It is necessary to co-operate in cultural sphere at a higher level."

There are good prospects to enhance relations between the parliaments of the two countries, he said.

The delegation of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, led by Speaker Ogtay Asadov, from 14 to 16 May, is on an official visit to Lithuania. The meeting of the delegation with the Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilyus on May 15 in Vilnius focused on further development of economic cooperation and a joint interest in the implementation of large-scale energy projects.

Later the delegation also met with the Chairman of Lithuanian Seim Valinskas and the parliamentary group of the Lithuanian Parliament on relations with Azerbaijan. The main theme of the meeting was the expansion of bilateral cooperation both at the inter-parliamentary level, involving representatives from business, youth, and culture.

One of the important issues discussed during the meeting with Azerbaijani guests was the upcoming meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius, which will take place in mid-summer.

"We invited the representatives of Azerbaijan as well and wish that they attend at any level," said Valinskas.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of the visit of the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan Abulfaz Garayev to Lithuania.

Speaking of the return visit to Baku, Valinskas said that the date has not been determined yet, since this visit is to be not so much a visit of courtesy, as an impetus for further cooperation of Lithuania and Azerbaijan.

Before the visit to Lithuania, there will be organized a workshop, which will be attended by those interested in doing business in Azerbaijan, in the development of cultural and sport contacts, he said.

Valinskas said that both sides want such activities to be attended the children, especially from the socially supported families, from orphanages.

"Exactly today's children will tomorrow choose the power in our countries and strengthen the friendship between Lithuania and Azerbaijan, - he said. - The future policy will belong to them."

The Speaker expressed hope that such visits will take place in summer.

"On the one hand, Lithuania and Azerbaijan are distant from each other, but we are neighbors. And we would like to see our good-neighborliness to collect speed," said Valinskas.

/Trend News/