Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko held a three-hour meeting with the U.S. Special Envoy to Belarus, John Coale. Besides discussing U.S.-Belarus relations and the global situation, including the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, the two discussed a possible visit of Lukashenko to the United States.
Trump had invited Lukashenko, whom he considers a friend, to the first meeting of the Board of Peace, but Lukashenko could not attend because of a previous engagement. Lukashenko indicated his interest in coming to speak with President Trump on a variety of matters. While he didn’t specifically indicate the topics, he did express concern that the U.S. was conducting war against a nation that Belarus considers a “friend.” In his statement to Coale, one that he wanted to be forwarded to Trump, Lukashenko said: “I think my perspective on global issues, especially the situation in the Middle East, will be important to you, as you are fighting against our friends. And I’m ready to discuss this matter frankly.”
