Linkevičius drew attention to the fact that the EU would once again consider the suspension of most restrictive measures after the issuance of a report on the presidential elections in Belarus by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in February 2016.
Lithuania's Foreign Minister called on Belarus not to stop after the release of all political prisoners and to take further positive steps with regard to human rights, the rule of law and democracy. Linkevičius also urged Belarus to make progress in the negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements with the European Union.
In the meeting, Linkevičius voiced his concern over the Belarusian nuclear power plant project and underlined the necessity of ensuring the adherence to the international nuclear safety requirements, including the requirements for environmental protection. Lithuania's Foreign Minister noted that when constructing a nuclear power plant next to the neighbouring country's capital city, one had to ensure maximum transparency and openness, and assure that this would not entail risks for the Lithuanian population and the environment.
Linkevičius urged Belarus to implement as soon as possible the conclusions adopted at the Meeting of the Parties to the Espoo Convention in 2014. Belarus was encouraged to fulfil the requirements of the Espoo Convention and take into consideration key issues raised by Lithuania. The Foreign Ministers agreed to continue discussing the implementation of the requirements of the Espoo Convention during a bilateral expert meeting to be held in December 2015 in Vilnius.
The heads of diplomacy of the two countries looked for solutions to the problems of Lithuanian carriers operating in Belarus. Linkevičius also urged Belarus to conclude all the procedures, which were necessary for facilitated travel in border areas extending no further than 50 km from the border line.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed results of the 17th session of the Belarus-Lithuanian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation that took place on 9-10 November 2015, the next step action plan and other important issues on the bilateral agenda.
Linkevičius highlighted the significance of the Eastern Partnership in the geopolitical context and called on Belarus to intensify cooperation in this field.
During the visit, Lithuania's Foreign Minister met with representatives of the Belarusian opposition and civil society, and policy makers.
In a joint press conference, Linkevičius thanked Belarus for its stance on Crimea, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
