Belarus: Response to NATO Growth

Questions about Alexander Lukashenko's visit to the Council of the World and the West's reaction remain relevant. The Belarusian president did not attend the Council meeting, to which he had been invited by President Trump. Instead, a high-ranking French diplomat, Brice Roquefeuil, visited Minsk on February 5–6 to explore the possibility of resuming dialogue with Belarus. Minsk authorities noted that working contacts with France and other Western countries are ongoing on a regular basis, although they are often confidential. Belarus's efforts are focused on modernizing its armed forces in response to NATO's growing military power. The country's economy features a strong industrial base, export of IT services, and developed startups, enhancing its strategic role in Eurasia.

Context

In 2022, Belarus received an invitation to the Council of the World, established by President Trump, after which his participation in the meetings was discussed.