After a ceremony at which ambassadors of nine countries presented their credentials, Aliaksandr Lukashenka met with Belarus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Valiantsin Rybakou. The main topic of their discussion was relations with the United States. In the absence of an ambassador, Rybakou has been serving as one of Belarus’ chief negotiators with the U.S. side.
“The United Nations is a powerful organization, and of course we have our interests there. But I will not hide the fact that what interests me more at the moment is Belarusian-American relations,” Lukashenka told Rybakou.
“You have been entrusted with both the honor and the tremendous task of rebuilding relations between the United States and Belarus. You are working in close contact with John Coale. Please convey my warmest regards to him and his lovely wife,” he added.
Lukashenka stressed that he carefully reads every document Rybakou sends him and tries to read between the lines. Even so, he said, he sees good prospects for relations with the United States.
“I read every document you send me word for word, down to every comma. I have formed certain impressions and opinions regarding the United States of America and its intentions. I know how to read between the lines, and it is not about the words themselves but about the spirit in which the leadership of the United States thinks. So even if John tries to embellish something, there is no need for that. I am an experienced person and I know how things really are. Nevertheless, the current situation in our relations, especially the momentum and the prospects, is good,” he said.
During the meeting, Aliaksandr Lukashenka also stressed once again that his contacts with the United States are not separate negotiations conducted behind the backs of Russia and China.
“I explained our relations, first of all, with Russia, with the People’s Republic of China, and also with Iran. We discussed many issues. We have never equivocated or hidden our position behind diplomatic language. That is why we are benefiting today. They understand perfectly well, including Mr. Coale, what we can do and what we cannot. We will continue to follow this course. It is a course of decency, openness, and our clear position,” he said.
Lukashenka asked Rybakou about his impressions from the contacts with U.S. representatives and whether he had any proposals on how to proceed.
He also touched on relations with the United Nations.
“Perhaps the current Secretary-General, with whom I have friendly relations, may need our assistance and support. We must certainly provide him with that support,” he said.
John Coale last visited Belarus in late April. Reports later emerged suggesting he might return in May and then again in June. Trump’s special envoy himself said he would visit Minsk soon, though without specifying any dates. However, the visit never took place.