Aliaksandr Lukashenka met with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana. He said Belarus would do everything it could for the island nation, taking into account current circumstances.
“My dear friend, we are well aware of what is happening around our friendly country. But you should know that you have many friends around the world, including Belarus. Today, we are ready to do everything for Cuba that we are capable of and that the current situation allows. At the very least, we will faithfully fulfil what we have agreed upon with you. These are no longer memorandums of intent but specific contracts that have already been signed. If you have any additional proposals, we are ready to consider them immediately and provide a response in line with the current situation and the capabilities we are able to realise,” Lukashenka said, according to his press service.
Salvador Valdés Mesa conveyed greetings to Lukashenka from Army General Raúl Castro and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
“Do not forget to pass on my best wishes to them — and courage,” Lukashenka replied.
“We would like to thank you for the statements you made to an American journalist regarding the situation surrounding our country. We thank you for your willingness to support our country in such a difficult situation,” the Cuban vice president said.
In recent months, Cuba has faced increased pressure from the United States, which has led to a de facto halt in oil supplies to the island. The United States is seeking changes to Cuba’s political and economic model, as well as the removal of the country’s current leadership. At the same time, Lukashenka is engaged in talks with the United States and has already secured some sanctions relief.
