Belarus hopes for mutually respectful relations with the United States that take Belarusian interests into account, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov said in an interview with TASS, BelTA has learned.
“We expect what all countries expect in their relations with one another: normal, good relations, where no one interferes in your affairs, where your interests are taken into account, where others are ready to respect your interests, where equal, mutually respectful relations and cooperation take shape across various spheres - from political to trade and economic. Of course, we expect this from the American side as well,” Maxim Ryzhenkov said.
According to him, people in the United States understand these approaches.
Nevertheless, the minister noted, some issues remain on the path to building relations between the United States and Belarus. “Of course, there are certain irritants that somewhat hold the two countries back from building relations. These include prisoners whom they are gradually trying to get out. The president, generally speaking, does not object to this to a certain extent because some of these people have already realized what they did, while others have served a certain amount of time and understand that it is better not to end up there again,” the minister said.
Maxim Ryzhenkov also said that Belarus does not intend to put its relations with established partners and allies, including Russia, at risk in exchange for an uncertain improvement in ties with the West.
“We will not risk the future or put at risk our relations with partners that have already stood the test of time and extended a helping hand to us, including our closest ally, Russia, and others, for the sake of perhaps seeing some light at the end of the tunnel in relations with the West tomorrow. We will not do that. Because this is long-term, this is stable, this is guaranteed, while over there it is unclear what may happen,” the minister said.
