Alyaksandr Lukashenka is awaiting a visit from Nicolás Maduro to Belarus. He stated this at a meeting with Venezuela’s ambassador to Russia Rafael Salazar Velázquez.
“Mr. Ambassador, Venezuela is not a foreign country for Belarus. We have been cooperating with you for a long, very long time. We would like our relations to be more intensive and advanced. There is much to discuss. I ask you very much to convey to my friend Nicolás Maduro that we always expect him in Belarus. It is time for him to visit us here in Belarus. I am convinced that he feels the same way about me. I will make every effort to find the time to visit Venezuela. These are problematic, difficult, challenging times, but nevertheless, a way out can be found from any situation. One just needs to strive for it. You understand this no worse than I do,” Lukashenka said.
It should be noted that Lukashenka’s meeting with Velázquez took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Washington has significantly increased its military presence near Venezuela’s coast. The Pentagon announced an operation against drug traffickers. Vessels carrying prohibited substances were destroyed. The press is constantly discussing the possibility of a U.S. ground operation in Venezuela, as well as recurring rumors about a potential agreement under which Maduro might step down with Washington’s involvement.