MINSK, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Belarus is prepared for high-level negotiations with its Western neighbors to restore normal operations at border crossing points, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said on Thursday.

Speaking during a visit to Brest and Kozlovichi checkpoints on the country's border with Poland, Ryzhenkov said Belarus remains committed to restoring full, lawful and mutually beneficial border operations.

The minister criticized what he called the "self-isolation" of EU countries bordering Belarus, arguing that the closure of borders isolates them not only from Belarus, but also from key Asian markets.

Ryzhenkov stressed that reopening the crossing points and returning to full functionality demand political will and strategic dialogue, calling on Western neighbors to move beyond technical adjustments and engage in more substantive diplomatic efforts.

Belarus, which borders Poland, Lithuania and Latvia to the west, continues to face restricted operations at several crossings due to strained political relations and security concerns. ■