Belarus-Lithuania relations based on pragmatic cooperation

        Diplomatic ties between Belarus and Lithuania are based on the principles of good-neighborly relations and pragmatic cooperation, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the Republic of Lithuania Vladimir Drazhin told a press conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Vladimir Drazhin praised the fruitful cooperation between the two countries. Belarus and Lithuania recognized the independence of each other and in 1993 opened diplomatic missions in Vilnius and Minsk, the ambassador said. The diplomat added that thanks to frequent visits and talks between government officials, closer ties with Lithuania are among the most important priorities of the foreign policy of Belarus. “We have many common interests. The most important cooperation avenues include power engineering, cargo and commodity transit, education, healthcare, culture and science, sport, tourist and border protection,” the diplomat said. The long-standing economic cooperation with Lithuania meets strategic interests of Belarus. The bilateral relations have great prospects. The two countries trade in about 600 types of commodities, the ambassador informed.