President: Belarus pursues cooperation with US, Europe but eastern ties remain strong

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has said that Belarus is engaging in dialogue with Western countries, including the US, on areas of mutual interest, and if an agreement is reached, the country will cooperate.

“We will cooperate if we reach an agreement, but the interests of our country and the priorities we have set must be the foundation of this cooperation,” he said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Lukashenko noted that Belarus primarily develops economic ties with Eastern countries, but there are business circles in Western nations that are interested in cooperating with Minsk.

“It is not a secret that we are currently trading more with the Eastern countries, although we are not entirely turning away from the West. What interests them and benefits us — we sell, but not in the same volumes or at the same prices. Therefore, the focus is on the East — Russia, China,” the Belarusian leader added.

President Lukashenko said that the presidential election in Belarus should be organised as a holiday, excluding the American-style spectacle with shooting. 

"Election should be a holiday. We don't need an American show, where people are shot in the ear or head," the president said.

Lukashenko stated that it is important for Minsk to hold the election with dignity. The next presidential election in Belarus is scheduled for January 26, 2025.

By Naila Huseynova