Lithuania, Belarus hold talks on smuggling, stranded trucks at closed checkpoint

Lithuanian and Belarusian border officials held talks on November 18 at the closed Lavoriškės checkpoint, focusing on the recent surge in air-borne smuggling and the fate of Lithuanian trucks stranded in Belarus.

Vilnius urged Minsk to take concrete action against groups using weather balloons to smuggle contraband across the border and called for stricter efforts to prevent irregular migration through Belarusian territory toward Lithuania and other neighbouring states, Caliber.Az reports via Lithuanian media. 

Lithuanian officials also outlined the reasons behind the temporary closure of the checkpoint and pressed Belarus to ensure the swift and safe return of Lithuanian-registered trucks currently held on its territory.

Remigijus Motuzas, chair of the Lithuanian parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said the timing of the border’s reopening will depend on the results of these negotiations. Belarus presented its own position during the meeting, which Lithuanian authorities are expected to review before making further decisions.

Lithuania shut the Lavoriškės crossing, citing risks to civil aviation posed by contraband-laden balloons launched from Belarus. In retaliation, Belarus blocked the return of Lithuanian freight vehicles and moved them to designated parking areas, warning that fees may be imposed.

By Sabina Mammadli