MINSK. Sept 26 (Interfax) - Belarusian-Lithuanian relations need a reset, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said.
"Minsk has repeatedly conveyed to the Lithuanian side its readiness for consultations with Vilnius on restoring the normal, neighborly interaction," Ryzhenkov said in a statement on the ministry website.
Belarus is ready to resume contacts between border and security services, agencies and foreign ministries, he said. It could initiate the interaction between parliaments and any designated Lithuanian delegations, and stands ready to draft a roadmap for unblocking cooperation in particular areas on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and independence of Belarus and its right to an independent path of development in cooperation with partners, Ryzhenkov said.
Normalization of the migration situation at the border, de-escalation of military tensions, interaction between law enforcement and security agencies, and resumption of the payment of pensions and allowances, alongside provision of health improvement services, including for people with chronic conditions and disabled children, are among priorities, he said.
"Resumption of normal passenger and cargo traffic and mobility, as well as transit of cargo, including such important humanitarian cargo as foods, drugs and fertilizers, meet our common interests," Ryzhenkov said.
Resumption of education and cultural exchanges and joint scientific programs, continued renovation of checkpoints, the implementation of nature conservancy projects, interaction in energy industry, establishment of joint production facilities, and, most importantly, normal humanitarian cooperation between Belarusians and Lithuanians could return to the agenda, he said.
Belarus estimates direct annual losses incurred by the Lithuanian economy from breaking off relations with Belarus at almost $1 billion.