Opinions & Interviews

Diplomat: Belarus is ready for constructive cooperation with USA

MINSK, 15 July (BelTA) - Belarus is ready for constructive cooperation with the United States of America, Charge d'Affaires of Belarus in the United States Pavel Shidlovsky told the media, BelTA has learned.

"At the moment, our relations are in a frozen, suspended state. Through no fault of ours. We are ready for constructive ties, based on the principles of normal, kind, mutually beneficial cooperation and a constructive attitude towards us. So far, unfortunately, this has not been the case. But we are not losing hope," Pavel Shidlovsky said.

In the context of sanctions, it is difficult to realize the potential for cooperation, the Belarusian diplomat noted. "Dialogue is very limited. However, the potential is there. We are in contact with the U.S. government," the diplomat said.

According to him, in order to improve relations, it is necessary to increase the level of contacts, to start a meaningful dialogue. "Unfortunately, Washington is not seeking such contacts and makes deliberately impossible demands to the Belarusian side. Therefore, they [relations between the two countries] are still in limbo. I think political will is important. We have such a will. We have always viewed the United States an important and promising partner. We are ready to extend a hand of friendship," Pavel Shidlovsky said.

Despite the sanctions, work continues with the U.S. analytical community, charitable organizations, with the circles and people who have an unbiased view of Belarus, of the relations with it, who perceive and react to the situation in Ukraine in a similar way. "There are such forces in the United States. They, unfortunately, are in the minority. But they are there. They are advocating peace in the Eastern European region and support the peace efforts by the Belarusian president," the diplomat said.

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