MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) – Belarus and the United States are striving to fully normalize bilateral relations, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN Valentin Rybakov said in an interview with the First News Channel, BelTA reports.
On the atmosphere of the Belarus-U.S. talks
Speaking about the atmosphere of the recent talks between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale, Valentin Rybakov emphasized that the conversation was “very friendly,” as it was not their first meeting.
“The people in the American delegation are very nice and understanding. They greatly appreciate the atmosphere that develops at such meetings, the president’s friendliness, and his commitment to a completely objective and honest conversation,” the diplomat stated. “I often meet in Washington with representatives of the Department of State, the Administration, and John. And this is something they always emphasize. These meetings with the president of Belarus hold significant importance for them. His considerable experience, extensive connections, and excellent personal familiarity with the world’s foremost leaders are all highly valued.”
He added that when discussions turn to areas of disagreement (there’s no secret that such areas exist), the tone becomes more businesslike. “But overall, the atmosphere is very, very friendly and conducive to discussing issues of mutual interest,” said the permanent representative.
On resolving the Ukraine conflict
According to Valentin Rybakov, the primary topic was the conflict in Ukraine and how, from Minsk’s perspective, the war can be stopped. It was important for the U.S. to hear President Lukashenko’s views, given his longstanding friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his familiarity with Vladimir Zelensky.
“The most important idea discussed was that the war simply needs to stop. The shooting needs to stop, the deaths need to stop. The rest can be agreed upon in peacetime,” the diplomat emphasized.
On U.S.-Venezuela relations
The meeting also addressed the international security situation, including tense U.S.-Venezuela relations.
“Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko had excellent relations with the previous Venezuelan leadership, with Chávez, and with the current President Maduro,” Valentin Rybakov remarked. “They discussed how Belarus and Aleksandr Grigoryevich personally could help prevent another war in the world. Addressing the delegation with notable frankness, the Belarusian president warned that drawing America into such a war would amount to a replay of Vietnam. This course of action holds no advantage for the American people, the Venezuelan people, or, most importantly, the international community as a whole.”
On normalizing Belarus-U.S. relations
An important topic was the bilateral agenda and mutual steps to meet each other halfway.
“Mr. Coale announced a decision to completely lift U.S. sanctions on Belarus’ potash industry. This decision has been made, and it will take effect immediately, so to speak,” said Valentin Rybakov. “The stated goal is to fully normalize bilateral relations between the Republic of Belarus and the United States.”
He stated that John Coale made it clear the ultimate goal of the Trump Administration is the full normalization of relations with Belarus.
“This concept encompasses absolutely everything. This includes political relations, economic relations, businesses we can jointly engage in, and culture. This encompasses the entire spectrum of our relations.”
On U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale
Valentin Rybakov described John Coale as “a professional, highly qualified, and highly respected lawyer and businessman.”
“It’s very important for him to maintain these, so to speak, business relations. He doesn’t bring any personal aspects or emotions into the negotiations or into these relations. He understands that he’s defending the interests of the United States, with the full understanding that our president is defending the interests of the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian people,” Valentin Rybakov said.
This time John Coale arrived in Minsk with his wife, Greta Conway Van Susteren, a host on Newsmax, who interviewed Aleksandr Lukashenko.
“Mr. Coale had made this request some time ago, inquiring whether he might come with his wife so that she could conduct an interview with him. The president said ‘Of course, of course, of course. I’d be very happy to meet her and give an interview.’ She had tried several times to come here, but circumstances simply didn’t allow her to come the previous times. But now everything worked out, and it was a very good interview, in my opinion. And the president noted the professionalism of John Coale’s wife, Greta,” Valentin Rybakov remarked.
According to him, the American journalist came away impressed by “the president’s level of knowledge and thinking,” as well as his connections and understanding of the international situation.
On U.S. “attempts” to influence Belarus-Russia relations
Addressing analysts who argue that U.S. outreach aims to pull Belarus away from Russia, Valentin Rybakov asserted this is not the case.
“Very often I had to answer the question of whether the Americans were trying to somehow influence our relations with Russia. I can assure you, this has never been discussed (I have been in many similar negotiations). There have never been any attempts to pit us against each other, to cause discord, etc. The Americans, the current Administration, acknowledge that we have absolutely close, warm, friendly, family-like, allied relations with the Russian Federation. And there have never been, and I think never will be, any attempts to interfere in these relations,” he stated.
On continuing the dialogue
The diplomat noted that the absence of public statements on bilateral relations does not mean work has halted, as meetings with the U.S. authorities are held almost weekly.
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