Baku, January 10, AZERTAC

On January 10, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of Kęstutis Vaškelevičius, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania.

The ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev had a conversation with the ambassador.

President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled the Lithuanian President’s official visit to Azerbaijan in 2022, his own official visit to Lithuania in 2023, his phone conversation with President Gitanas Nausėda at the end of last year, and previous engagements with Lithuania's heads of state, noting their important role in developing bilateral relations.

Wishing the ambassador success in his activities in Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that during his tenure, bilateral ties would further expand and new opportunities would be identified to strengthen cooperation.

Expressing gratitude for the kind words, Kęstutis Vaškelevičius conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, to the Azerbaijani President.

The head of state thanked for the greetings and asked the ambassador to extend his regards to President Gitanas Nausėda.

The ambassador highlighted that during their conversation, the President of Lithuania underscored Azerbaijan's significant role, expressed his desire to further cement bilateral relations, and also conveyed his condolences regarding the plane crash. The Ambassador underlined that Azerbaijan has every reason to take pride in its citizens who played a crucial role in saving many lives in the crash.

The Ambassador highlighted the importance of the mutual support that both countries and peoples have shown for each other’s independence and freedom throughout the history of their bilateral relations, noting that this carries symbolic significance. He emphasized that significant progress has been achieved in bilateral relations since Azerbaijan and Lithuania gained independence in the late 20th century.

The ambassador stated that Lithuania is always ready to support the expansion of Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union. He also appreciated Azerbaijan's humanitarian aid to Ukraine and emphasized Lithuania's support for lasting peace and development in the South Caucasus.

Kęstutis Vaškelevičius noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed his commitment to working in the spirit of friendship and solidarity demonstrated throughout the history of these relations during his tenure at the embassy.

During the conversation, they also discussed cooperation in the fields of economy, agriculture, and renewable energy.