(AFP) - Lithuanian leaders on Thursday told a high-ranking delegation of visitors from Armenia, led by Prime Minister Andranik Markarian, that they would help Yerevan in its bid to join the European Union and NATO.
"We are prepared to share our experience with Armenia as you prepare to join NATO and the EU," Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas said after meeting Markarian. "It took us 10 years to become a member of NATO. I feel certain Armenia will become a member more quickly," he said.
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus assured Markarian that Lithuania "will always be a firm backer of Armenia as you undertake political and economic reforms, and will encourage cooperation with the European Union."
The Armenian delegation, which arrived in Vilnius on Thursday morning and includes the economy and finance ministers as well as a group of businessmen, was due to meet with Lithuanian entrepreneurs and government ministers before returning to Armenia on Friday.
"We are prepared to share our experience with Armenia as you prepare to join NATO and the EU," Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas said after meeting Markarian. "It took us 10 years to become a member of NATO. I feel certain Armenia will become a member more quickly," he said.
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus assured Markarian that Lithuania "will always be a firm backer of Armenia as you undertake political and economic reforms, and will encourage cooperation with the European Union."
The Armenian delegation, which arrived in Vilnius on Thursday morning and includes the economy and finance ministers as well as a group of businessmen, was due to meet with Lithuanian entrepreneurs and government ministers before returning to Armenia on Friday.