Lukashenko: we are ready to conclude a major deal with the United States if Belarus's interests are taken into account
Belarus is ready to conclude a major deal with the USA, but its interests must be taken into account. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on global international issues and the development of Belarusian-American relations, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
Speaking about the relations between Belarus and the USA, the President noted that the trend of resuming bilateral dialogue has gained "some positive momentum". According to him, this has been mentioned more than once, and when the time comes, the public will be informed in detail. "Perhaps it is time to say something about this. But before saying anything about Belarusian-American relations, especially the prospects of these relations, I would like to consult with you today," the President addressed the meeting participants.
Alexander Lukashenko reminded that recently a number of meetings have taken place in Minsk with special envoys of the President of the USA. "Practice has shown that all these contacts are conducted by the Americans exclusively for pragmatic purposes," he noted. "Certainly, our policy on resuming relations with the USA should also be built exclusively in Belarusian interests."
At the same time, Belarus, according to the President, can make certain compromises and take the first steps towards the USA, expecting that they will fulfill their promises. This is happening, for example, in the case of the lifting of sanctions against the airline "Belavia". "They announced that they are lifting sanctions from "Belavia", but some "tails" have remained. Both Cherginets (the general director of the airline - Note by BELTA) and our leaders of "Belavia" state that the lifting of these sanctions does not fully free "Belavia" from some silly obligations. And not always and not everywhere can we fly, repair, or purchase. The Americans acknowledge this. They say: it takes some time to eliminate these "tails". Fine," Alexander Lukashenko explained.
"We will wait for their global proposals, a big deal, as they like to say (they love these big deals). We are ready for this. We are ready to conclude a big deal with them. On one side of the scale are their questions, requests, and demands, on the other side are our questions and demands. Shall we decide? Let's decide. We are ready for this. I absolutely evaluate Donald Trump's proposals in this regard as normal. But our interests must also be taken into account. And everything must be fair, as we once agreed with the Americans," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.