Lithuania to decide on border regime with Belarus following key talks

The Lithuanian government is set to make a decision on its border regime with Belarus on November 19, following technical-level negotiations between the border agencies of the two countries scheduled for November 18.

According to Remigijus Motuzas, chairman of the Lithuanian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the outcome of these talks will play a crucial role in shaping the government’s decision, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

Motuzas indicated that the negotiations, focused on practical and operational issues between the border services of the neighbouring nations, would be instrumental in determining the next steps. He added that, based on the progress of these discussions, Lithuania is leaning towards reopening the border earlier than originally planned, which had been set for November 30.

In late October, Lithuania had unilaterally closed its border with Belarus for one month, citing concerns over the smuggling of tobacco products by air. In response, Belarus suspended the passage of Lithuanian trucks, forcing more than 1,000 vehicles to be stranded in paid parking lots across the country.

By Sabina Mammadli