MINSK, 6 July (BelTA) – Belarus wants to normalize relations with the United States on mutually beneficial terms, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with U.S. Charge d'Affaires Scott Rauland on 6 July, BelTA has learned.
“We understand that we will not be able to have a full-fledged foreign policy until we normalize relations with the United States. We do not hide our intention that we want to normalize the relations with the United States on mutually beneficial terms,” the Belarusian head of state said.
The Belarusian President noted that there is some improvement in the relations between Belarus and the U.S. “To say that everything is well in the relations between the states would not be quite sincere, even from the diplomatic point of view. But the relations are much better than they were, and we are moving in the normal, right direction. You probably will not deny this either,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.
“With the goodwill on the part of the U.S. authorities, we will be able to do a lot in the near future,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus has certain commitments to its neighboring countries. The country maintains close cooperation with Russia, and also such states as China and India. “These are our strategic allies, partners. We have signed corresponding agreements with them,” he said.
The head of state also touched upon the development of the Belarusian-U.S. trade and economic cooperation. “When U.S. businessmen come here, I meet with them to discuss the investment climate in Belarus. I tell them: work in Belarus according to the U.S. laws. We will create the relevant legal framework for you. They say they would like to be guided by Belarusian laws, and I am grateful to them for this. It is a strong lever for me and a basis for negotiations with other businessmen. It should be noted that the Americans are very much different, but they are sincere people who, seeing their interest, would like to cooperate honestly with Belarus,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
“I would like you to understand that we have no closed themes in cooperation with you. We have no commitments to other states that would go against our cooperation with the United States. Even Russians say that it is absolutely necessary to have normal relations with Western Europe and the United States,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
“I will reiterate that if there is the goodwill on the part of the United States, we will be able to address any problem. The only acceptable basis is sincerity, honesty, openness and trust,” the Belarusian leader added.
