April 6, 2005 - 10:10 AMT
GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS: ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INTEGRATION OF EUROPEAN VALUES EVIDENT IN ARMENIA
Today Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian received Lithuanian National Defense Minister Gediminas Kirkilas, the Press Service of the Government of Armenia reported. Having noted the considerable development of bilateral relations and restoration of past relations, A. Margarian accentuated that mutual visits of the officials of Lithuania and Armenia. In his words, the activation of cooperation is specifically notable in the military sphere, which is evidenced by the current visit of Gediminas Kirkilas. In his turn Kirkilas stated Lithuania was ready to cooperate with Armenia. In his words, economic growth, as well as integration of European values are evident in Armenia recently. In the course of the meeting the parties noted that stimulation of the commodity turnover between Lithuania and Armenia fits the interests of both states. As noted by A. Margarian, Lithuania's accession to the EU, as well as Armenia's intention to pursue a neighborhood policy via reforms will lead the Armenian-Lithuanian economic, political and military cooperation to a higher level within the framework of various European structures. Turning to the regional problems the parties noted the need for activation of cooperation between the South Caucasian countries, establishment of security and stability, in which in Margarian's words, balanced policy of Lithuania and other Baltic states is important. The parties also discussed the Armenian-Turkish relations.