Lithuania open to technical talks with Minsk but political dialogue depends on progress

Lithuania is prepared to engage in technical-level discussions with Belarus, though higher-level political talks will depend on developments in negotiations, Seimas (parliament) Speaker Juozas Olekas said Friday, responding to a US call for bilateral dialogue, LRT reports.

Olekas acknowledged that “technical and administrative talks will likely take place” to address practical issues, as avoiding contact entirely would hinder problem-solving. “If we want to resolve matters, we cannot avoid contact—there is no other way,” he told journalists.

However, he stressed that any progress in relations would require mutual understanding rather than one-sided concessions, particularly while Minsk maintains an “aggressive stance.”

When asked whether meetings could extend to higher levels, such as deputy ministers—as suggested by US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale—Olekas stated that further steps would depend on the outcomes of initial talks. “If progress is made, other possibilities may emerge. We are not rigidly opposed to dialogue, but we have clear goals and will pursue them,” he said.