"Neighborhood is a mutual connection helping to get along and satisfy national defense needs. For that we need a mutual wish and mutual recognition of states' needs, mutual determination to follow common rules. I would call this attitude an honest neighborhood policy. And a responsible and ethical stance, first of all, towards your citizens and neighboring communities, is a prerequisite for that," the Lithuanian foreign minister said.
According to Ažubalis, Lithuanian-Polish trade and tourism rates are the best on record, and the countries have joint power link and gas projects. "It's only a matter of time" when no negatives signs are left at the strategic level of bilateral relations, the minister said.
"Polish fighter jets are guarding Lithuania's airspace today. It's a matter of time when no negative signs are left in the formula and strategic relations. The main thing is to wisely use support for cultural and historic projects as well as youth exchange. And let's solve ethnic minority issues by getting rid of negative attitudes and returning to facts. Getting on the road of honest neighborhood," he said.
Ažubalis also said that Lithuania and Latvia "not only share the Baltic roots but also vital challenges relating to territory, energy, economy, identity and information security."
"We have recently agreed with the Latvian leaders on over 100 cooperation initiatives. I hope they will help create a common Baltic policy. And as a starting point, we choose not only energy but also culture, youth exchange and the development of a common information space eliminating intermediaries," the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
But, Ažubalis believes, there are more unanswered questions in relations with outside neighbors. In his opinion, Lithuanian must support the Belorussian nation's "self-government aspirations and continue business relations based on transparency, and not on dictate."
"Today, the regime does not ensure either Belarus' sovereignty or wellbeing for people, the democratic outlook, or regional stability. The dangerous Astraviec project, weaponry near Lithuania's border, opposition crackdown are against values the whole Europe is built on. In order to change the situation, we need to form a common EU position and provide targeted support for the awakening society, especially young people," Ažubalis said.
Meanwhile economic cooperation is improving Lithuania's relations with Russia which "are complicated by tactical weaponry and nuclear plans in Kaliningrad, the unacknowledged fact of occupation and power policy projects in Eurasia," the Lithuanian foreign minister said.
"Our solution is to separate energy and economics from the destructive policy. (…) We have to have a closer dialogue with the Nordic countries. And we need the EU's common position in favor of the pro-democratic and so pro-Russian development of Russia," Ažubalis said.
Talking about Lithuania's diplomatic goals in the European Union, the minister said the EU is facing economic, monetary, government, self-esteem and solidarity challenges.
"My suggestion is to keep balance, to retain state, national and cultural independence, but to support economic, energy integration, and seek common foreign policy standards for Eastern Europe. Moreover, existing Community treaties have to be employed as much as possible, without rushing into amending them, for quick solutions. For example, the tax policy should continue being a matter of Lithuania's national determination," Ažubalis said.
Tackling propaganda on history
Foreign Minister Ažubalis has said that monitoring and prevention of outside propaganda is an important part of Lithuania's historic policy.
"Monitoring and prevention of historic propaganda, which is being spread today as well, is an integral part of the historic policy strategy," the minister told the country's ambassadors in Vilnius who gathered for an annual meeting this week.
Ažubalis believes Lithuania's actions in this field should be better coordinated as "some use history as a blanket to cover up their goals, and others think history is a storage of facts where justice and Lithuania's genuine experience is glowing for everyone."
"Last year we achieved a breakthrough in our relations with Jewish communities. The Holocaust commemoration projects, aid for Nazi victims have improved Lithuania's reputation in the world and paved ways for the development of business and cultural relations with Israel, the United States, EU member states, South Africa and Latin America where large communities of Litvaks live. On the other hand, we are building a common attitude towards Soviet crimes. We want denial of them to be criminalized everywhere in Europe," Ažubalis said.
The minister also noted that on the occasion of the Lithuanian EU Presidency, Lithuania plans to publish a concise book on Lithuania's history. Ažubalis also said that a special history book for diplomats is also in the pipeline, and the book would be aimed at "helping adequately respond to international incidents of distortion of facts and this way defend Lithuania's honor and image."
