Lukashenko's letter from Trump, a "big deal" and the lifting of sanctions on Belavia. Key points on the reset of relations with the USA
On the afternoon of September 11, it became known about a new round of Belarusian-American negotiations - President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with US President's representative John Cole. This is not the American's first visit to Minsk. In June, he had already participated in negotiations with the head of the Belarusian state as part of a delegation led by US President's Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg. It is known that even before that, Belarus and the US maintained regular contacts at various levels, despite the obvious accumulated problems in their relations. However, recent events in the bilateral agenda can only be described as a reset.
The need for prompt normalization of relations is now being discussed not only in Minsk but also in Washington. It is enough to recall the recent phone conversation between Trump and Lukashenko, as well as statements in which the head of the White House called his Belarusian counterpart a strong and respected leader.
And now, a new stage with concrete tangible results. Alexander Lukashenko first held several hours of negotiations with John Cole, and then set tasks for Belarusian diplomat Valentin Rybakov, who is "at the forefront" of the dialogue with the Americans. The US representative brought a letter from Donald Trump to Minsk with a symbolic gift and news about the lifting of sanctions against the airline "Belavia". The Belarusian side also made its steps towards reconciliation - Alexander Lukashenko pardoned a number of convicts, including foreign citizens who were convicted of espionage.
Regarding the meeting itself, the parties discussed about 10 different issues concerning the entire complex of Belarusian-American relations. Alexander Lukashenko proposed to frankly address issues of the global situation in the context of the interests of the USA and Belarus. "We will not shy away from issues of war and peace," he said.
He also named the sphere of economy as the most important issue: "I think you have interests in Belarus and through Belarus to Russia in the economic sphere. Naturally, we have a great interest in your global country in terms of the economy."
On the peacemaking position of the President of the USA, with whom Belarus is ready to stand side by side
"I want to thank your President (not because I want to flatter him, that is alien to me) for the efforts he is making towards peace, and primarily in our region," said the head of state. - He stopped seven, six wars or conflicts - it doesn't matter. He has stopped quite a few conflicts. I say this as a historian and as a President who has been working for a long time: no President of the United States of America has made so many efforts and such efforts to ensure peace on the planet. I think you will sort out the economy and tariffs yourselves. Nevertheless, I am grateful, John, to your friend Donald for the efforts he is making in world politics today."