Lithuanian FM, OCSE chairman Audronius Azubalis spoke for consistent strengthening of EU ties with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lithuanian Foreign Ministry reported.

The Foreign Minister spoke at the discussions organized within the framework of the EU foreign affairs council on the situation in South Caucasus countries.

“Our neighbours in the South Caucasus must be more active in Eastern Neighbourhood initiative,” Azubalis said, stressing the necessity of starting talks on visa regime facilitation and readmission agreement with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

According to him, Georgia must put efforts to start talks on free trade agreement until the end of 2011.

The Lithuanian minister urged EU representatives and partner states to establish closer cooperation.