Armenian diplomatic delegation arrives in Lithuania

An Armenian delegation led by the Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, will visit Vilnius today.

The relationship between Armenia and Lithuania seems to be growing in recent years. Vilnius has become one of Armenia’s reliable partners in the European Union, as evidenced by the increased mutual visits. One of the main topics of discussion is the “Crossroads of Peace” project, which is directed at restoring regional communications and increasing Armenia’s trade logistics. Yerevan also claims that the new initiative could be a precondition for promoting peaceful dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, although this assertion is sharply criticized by Baku.

Armenia has been actively trying to deepen diplomatic cooperation and economic integration with the EU and Lithuania seems to be a willing partner. Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister, stated that Armenia is ready to get closer to the EU as much as the EU deems possible. There are several ways in which the EU could encourage Yerevan’s aspirations for democratization and Europeanization. The most efficient one would be related to economic policy diversification, including creating favorable conditions for Armenian businesses and infrastructure improvements. This would noticeably reduce Armenia’s economic dependence on Russia. However, there is potential for escalation in the already tense relations between the EU and Moscow, as Russia continues to perceive the South Caucasus as a zone of critical strategic interests.