MINSK, 21 June (BelTA) - The talks between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg lasted six and a half hours, Press Secretary of the Belarusian president Natalya Eismont told The New York Times, BelTA has learned.
“The negotiations, which began Friday evening, lasted six and a half hours and covered topics such as U.S. and EU sanctions against Belarus, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and Belarus’ relations with Russia and China,” Natalya Eismont stated.
As BelTA previously reported, the negotiations took place at the Palace of Independence with the participation of both Belarusian and U.S. delegations.
The agenda included international matters, the situation in the region and in the world and Belarus-U.S. relations.
“Your visit has created quite a stir around the world. But I am surprised: why is that so? Can’t we have a normal dialogue and talk about our affairs, about relations between Belarus and the United States?” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
“I am very happy to meet you, General. I sincerely hope our conversation will be honest and open. Otherwise, what is the point of meeting? If we try to outsmart or deceive each other, we won’t achieve anything,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
In turn, Keith Kellogg thanked the Belarusian side for the hospitality and the opportunity to meet. “We are living in a very dangerous time, when the crises we are facing can rapidly escalate and spiral out of control if we are not wise and fair,” he said.
In response, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized: “General, I assure you that you will be completely safe on the territory of Belarus, and during this time, there will be no escalation, not only in Belarus, but also around us.”
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