MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) – The USA and Belarus have decided to restore diplomatic missions to the level of ambassadors. United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale made the statement as he met with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 17 September, BelTA has learned.
David Hale said: “I would like to convey greetings from the secretary of state who's asked me to come here in order to be present at an important historical moment of our bilateral relations. After our meeting we will make a statement that we are going to exchange ambassadors after so many years without them.”
The diplomat went on saying: “We agree with you that the state of affairs is unnatural, abnormal. We are glad that this chapter is nearly over. We are closing this chapter due to the steps your country and you personally have made. We would also like to note the vision you've accepted – greater diversity in internal affairs and in relations with the outside world. We strongly support this vision and will do our best to help you on the way.”
David Hale noted that the USA is doing it not for the sake of competing with some other country but for the sake of fully realizing the potential of bilateral relations. “And also because we highly value this region and we are very attentive to security threats. And also because we strongly support Belarus' sovereignty and independence.”
