ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ANTANAS VALIONIS AT THE LITHUANIAN-BELARUSSIAN FRONTIER DURING AN INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATION OF THE REFURBISHED BORDER-CROSSING POST RAIGARDAS
Created 2004-06-10
10 June 2004 Dear Excellencies, Colleagues, Dear Friends, The relations between Lithuania and Belarus are based on the principles of good neighbourly relations, as provided in the provisions of the Agreement between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Belarus on good neighbourly relations and co-operation.
Lithuania as a member of the EU is interested in cooperation in control of state borderline, economy, transport, environmental protection and close contacts of border regions between both countries.Lithuania stands for further fostering of bilateral pragmatic relations with Belarus, in order to address a number of issues, which are urgent both to Lithuania and to other European countries, for example illegal migration and regional co-operation.
Lithuania, as a full-fledged member of the EU is particularly committed to other EU member states. I am also pleased to note, that the dialogue between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Belarus is constructive and productive - the Agreement on the State Border, signed in 1995 is under implementation – the state’s border demarcation is going on.
At present, state border line in land is fully demarcated, while the state border line in lakes and ponds is still unmarked. The complete border demarcation is scheduled for the coming winter. The facilities of the border security (patrol tracks, safety-fences, bridges, etc) were established in 2001 – 2003.
On June 7, 2004 an official procedure of international acception of the first demarcated section of the state border between the river Nemunas and the lake Latežeris was organized. An international acception of the other sections of the state border is under implementation. The conclusion of all international acceptions of the state border is scheduled for the summer 2005, whereas the preparation and confirmation of concluding documents – for 2006.
The demarcation of the state border is of great importance both for Lithuania and other countries. We believe, that precisely delineated state’s borders will assure closer collaboration, will promote safe movement of capital and persons in between the states and will further enhance trust and respect between the Countries.
