THERE WERE NEVER SO CLOSE TIES BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA – VICE-SPEAKER

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Aug 2 2006

During the unofficial visit of Lithuanian delegation headed by
vice-speaker of Seym Gintaras it held several meetings and saw some
historical places of Azerbaijan, Mr Stepanavichus told Trend in his
exclusive interview.

"We wanted to know Azerbaijan better and see its realities. Last
time ties between our countries got deeper, we developed mutually
beneficial cooperation. I think Azerbaijan and Lithuania have share
common aims. In this connection our visit to Azerbaijan is not
occasional", he said.

"In autumn Lithuania is opening its embassy in Azerbaijan. We also
know Azeri embassy is opening in Lithuania next year. Probably these
issues will be discussed and solved during Azeri president’s visit
to Lithuania", he added.

At the same time Mr Stepanavichus said Lithuanian public knows a
little about Azerbaijan. "Time to time some news appear, their number
bigger with time due to increase of mutual cooperation", he said.
Vice-speaker also mentioned Azeri diaspora’s passivity in Lithuania.