Caspian Energy (CE): Your Excellency, what inspired you to pursue diplomacy?
Kęstutis Vaškelevičius, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the Azerbaijan Republic: I became interested in diplomacy via history. As a teenager, I was fascinated by the stories my father used to tell me about Lithuanian partisans fighting Soviet occupation in the nearby forests and villages of where my father was born. History taught me about the importance of international relations and diplomacy.
CE: Why is this mission in Azerbaijan significant for you?
Kęstutis Vaškelevičius: Again, history might help to reveal the importance of Lithuania-Azerbaijan relations. There were moments in our relationships, in particular in 1989-1991, when mutual understanding and solidarity helped our nations on our road to freedom. Today, both Lithuania and Azerbaijan are independent successful countries. But it doesn’t mean that challenges to our independence are over. Just across our borders, we see dangerous imperialistic ambitions. History reminds us that even the largest aggressor is afraid of solidarity among free nations. The current geopolitical environment calls for more solidarity among freedom-loving nations.
Today, I also appreciate Azerbaijan’s dynamic pace of development and its growing international role. Therefore, partnerships between Lithuania-Azerbaijan, as well as the EU and Azerbaijan, are also growing in importance. These partnerships can bring a significant contribution to strengthening the principles of international law, in isolating aggressors and in helping to advance peace and prosperity in our region and beyond.
An important part of my mission is also contributing to strengthening the friendship between the Lithuanian and Azerbaijani people. Better understanding and appreciating the rich history and culture of our peoples is something very valuable to the bilateral Lithuanian-Azerbaijani agenda.
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