Lukashenko congratulates Trump on 80th birthday

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko sent birthday wishes to U.S. President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday, the Belarusian presidency reported.

Relations between Minsk and Washington have been normalizing this year. In March, Trump's envoy John Cole visited Belarus and met with Lukashenko, leading to the release of 250 political prisoners. The U.S. responded by lifting sanctions on Belarus's finance ministry and two banks.

Previously, Washington had partially eased restrictions on Belarus, including sanctions on potassium and the airline Belavia, in exchange for the release of more political prisoners. Many of these prisoners were convicted for participating in anti-government protests in 2020.

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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, turns 80. The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, congratulated his American colleague on his birthday.

Lukashenko described a proposed agreement with Washington as "important," stating that Belarus had presented its interests and sent proposals to the Americans. He indicated this "grand agreement" would go beyond prisoner issues to include reopening embassies and addressing nuclear material storage in Belarus.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, Lukashenko has previously referred to Trump as a "temporary leader" with only four years in office, suggesting he could achieve little. Lukashenko, who has been in power for 31 years, has criticized Western leaders for their short tenures, arguing they prioritize personal gain over their people's interests. He has held onto power in Belarus since 1994, despite international condemnation.

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What is he? A temporary leader, he has four years. What can he do in four years? Nothing. He will do nothing. Therefore, a president must have time.