YEREVAN. - In early 2016 it will be possible to see the first Lithuanian production on Armenian grocery shelves. In an interview with Armenian News – NEWS.am, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Armenian Erikas Petrikas expressed his pleasure over the launch of a new stage of talks between Armenia and the EU. He also touched on the prospects of the Armenian-Lithuanian cooperation and wished optimism in Armenian.

In one of your interviews you noted that the European Union didn’t leave Armenia, Why? How do you see the future relations between Armenia and EU?

I arrived in Armenia in 2013. This was a special year for my country, and, I think, for Armenia as well. Lithuania presided over the Council of the EU. And, of course, it was very pleasant for me, that after talks with the EU for 3,5 years, Armenia arranged on a new agreement. In Vilnius we looked forward to and hoped for the signing, and, of course, especially we, Lithuanians, were a little sorry that the situation changed in Fall 2013. But, on the other hand, we understand the geopolitical situation very well; we understand Armenia very well, and thus respect its decisions. And despite the fact that we didn’t manage to sign the Association Agreement in Vilnius, we immediately began to look into the future and think what could be done. I’m very happy and want to congratulate Armenia on that Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian and Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, opened a new page in our relations on December 7. That’s why saying that the EU was, is and will be here is perhaps correct. And now we are merely looking for opportunities where to cooperate - in which spheres and to what degree. I’m very happy that the talks have been launched. Lithuania is one of the 28 countries of the European Union, and it, of course, supports the initiative, trying to help this cooperation.

Could you please highlight the key achievements of Armenia and Lithuania in 2015? 

Your question is very relevant, since this was a special year for our bilateral relations.  On November 27, the first session of the Intergovernmental Commission took place in Vilnius. It was chaired by Armenian Minister of Economy Karen Chshmaritian and his Lithuanian counterpart Evaldas Gustas. During two years of my stay in Armenia, I constantly heard pessimism on that we wouldn’t be able to find common spheres and common interests, but we proved that there are interests and they are very wide. In the protocol signed in Vilnius, we even included 11 spheres which we will work on in 2016.

The Intergovernmental Commission has been set up. I want to congratulate both the Armenian and Lithuanian people on this, since this will first and foremost deepen our economic relations. The visits of the delegations of business representatives also contributed to my optimistic attitude.  One of the most powerful delegations which visited Armenia was the delegation led by the President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists Robertas Dargis. In March 2015, he visited Armenia along with 20 businessmen and saw a very big potential in our economic cooperation. I don’t want to boast but I think in early 2016 you will see the first Lithuanian production on Armenian grocery shelves. This will be the greatest achievement in the sphere of economic contacts between Armenia and Lithuania in 2015.

Lithuania three agreements will be signed in 2016 at latest.

What makes the Lithuanian New Year different?

The most importat holiday we celebrate is the Christmas Eve. This is a very old holiday. It is the traditional union of families at the table. Special lenten fare is prepared. That evening we don’t eat meat, only fish and Lenten fare may be served. The holiday on December 31 already fades into insignificance: it’s not celebrated the way it used to be in the Soviet times. The most important day of the year for us is December 25.

What would you wish to Armenians and the Armenian people?

I would like to wish Armenia faith, faith in the future and optimism. Sometimes I feel pessimism and disillusion when talking to ordinary citizens. It’s necessary to encourage the people, saying they should believe, since the faith can move mountains. And I see very big potential especially in the face of the youth. This is a fantastic potential which Armenia has. Therefore, more faith in the future is my biggest wish.