Belarus, Lithuania seeking compromises on BelNPP project

Belarus and Lithuania are discussing compromise solutions regarding the ongoing construction of the nuclear power plant in Belarus, Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei said in an interview to the STV channel as he commented on the recent visit of his Lithuanian counterpart Linas Linkevicius to Minsk, BelTA has learnt.

“Top on the agenda of the visit was trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. As neighbors, we have a solid trade and we are set to expand it further. That is why the visit was mainly focused on the bilateral trade and economic relations,” Vladimir Makei said.

In his words, the parties discussed the preparations for the 10th Belarusian-Lithuanian economic forum which is due in October 2014, cooperation in the transport and transit fields, and development of the border infrastructure. The parties also discussed the mutual use of Lithuanian ports and other trade and economic issues.

“We also discussed political cooperation. We talked over our relations with the European Union and Lithuania in the area. There are some unresolved issues which remain high on the agenda. However, what matters most is that we are ready for a dialogue and willing to address these issues. In particular, a decision was finally taken following Belarus’ proposal to seek compromise solutions regarding the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the project Lithuania strongly opposed,” the minister said.

“There is clear understanding that we should move forward guided by a mutually respectable and equal dialogue and realizing that that there are problems in our bilateral relations that should be addressed,” Vladimir Makei said.