Trump envoy urges Lithuania to resume dialogue with Belarus over fertilizers
U.S. special envoy John Cole said that Belarus could play an important role in supplying potash fertilizers to the United States.
He noted that such supplies could transit through Lithuania and expressed hope that Vilnius would resume dialogue with Minsk to restore the necessary logistical and trade links.
Cole made the remarks in an interview with LRT.
He was responding to a question about whether Lithuania should hold bilateral talks with Belarus.
“Yes, I think it should. President Trump and I do not believe in preconditions. We believe you should sit down and talk. If it doesn’t work, then you stand up and walk away. But right now, I think — and I hope — that Lithuania will agree to bilateral dialogue at the level of deputy foreign ministers. We need to stop the things that are making life difficult on both sides,” Cole said.
According to him, dialogue is necessary to reopen trade between the two countries, as well as with Europe and the United States.
“For example, potash fertilizers from Belarus should pass through Lithuania, and this would open access to Europe — all the way to the United States,” Cole noted.
He added that it would be highly beneficial for the United States to receive Belarusian fertilizers.
North Korea and Belarus sign friendship agreement.
Self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko signed a “friendship and cooperation” agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Pyongyang.
The document provides for the development of partnership relations and the strengthening of ties between the two countries.
During the official visit to North Korea, Lukashenko also exchanged gifts with Kim Jong Un.
