US Envoy John Cole says Belarus dialogue aimed at normalising relations

During two days of talks between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and the US Special Envoy for Belarus, John Cole, the sides focused on issues related to normalising bilateral relations.

Speaking to journalists after the meetings, a US representative said the discussions continued into Saturday, according to a BelTA correspondent.

John Cole described his talks with Lukashenko as very productive. He said the discussions covered a wide range of international issues, including the war between Ukraine and Russia as well as the situation in Venezuela.

“We talked about the war between Ukraine and Russia, about Venezuela. President Lukashenko mentioned many people and many things. We had a very good conversation. We talked about the future — about how to move along the path of rapprochement between the United States and Belarus in order to normalise relations. This is our goal,” Cole said.

He also noted that Lukashenko offers what he described as good advice on resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Cole, further progress toward normalising relations would require continuing the steps already underway, including lifting sanctions, releasing detainees, and maintaining ongoing dialogue between the two sides.

By Tamilla Hasanova