Belarus in Global Spotlight Over Potential US Fertilizer Deal and Diplomatic Moves

This week, Belarus was back in the spotlight of international media. The reason was not only a new round of dialogue between Minsk and Washington, but also the US announcement of its readiness to purchase Belarusian potash, which immediately drew wide international attention.

📰 The Washington Post 🇺🇸: "The United States is seeking a deal to buy fertilizer from Belarus and reduce dependence on Canada — a US ally with which the White House has repeatedly engaged in trade disputes."

📰 The Guardian 🇬🇧: "In recent weeks, Trump has intensified the trade war with Canada — a long-standing US ally and the largest supplier of potash fertilizers to the country. Monday's statement indicates Washington's willingness to continue dialogue with Minsk."

📰 NTV 🇩🇪: "Since Donald Trump took office, there have been periodic rapprochements between the US and Belarus. Now, a major economic deal may be concluded between the two countries. Canada would be the party affected. US President Donald Trump, according to his own words, is preparing a 'large-scale' agreement with Belarus on purchasing potash salt."

This topic also developed in specialized media. For example, the American agricultural publication The BARN noted that the emergence of another fertilizer supplier could benefit American farmers.

📰 The BARN 🇺🇸: "The Trump administration's proposal to purchase potash fertilizers from Belarus raises questions about cost and logistics for deliveries to American farmers […] For American farmers, the proposed deal could mean another potential source of a crucial agricultural nutrient."

Against the backdrop of the discussed deal between Belarus and the US, Lithuania appears to be preparing for 'moral humiliation'.

📰 LRT 🇱🇹: "Any violation of European Union sanctions to facilitate a potential US deal to purchase Belarusian potash fertilizers would be a 'moral humiliation,' said Gitanas Nauseda's national security adviser."

📰 Delfi 🇱🇹: "European Parliament member and social democrat Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis proposes considering allowing the resumption of transit of Belarusian fertilizers through the port of Klaipėda, provided that in exchange Belarus would allow the transport of Ukrainian grain through its territory to Lithuania."

There were also some entertaining stories this week. Fox News told its viewers about a joking dispute between Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin over who is the 'bigger dictator'.

📰 Fox News 🇺🇸: "Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, speaking to youth leaders in Minsk, said that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly joke and argue about who can be considered the 'main dictator'. The remarks by the Belarusian leader at the 'Youth. Belarus. Future' forum on September 17 also highlight the close cooperation between Moscow and Minsk. Meanwhile, Lukashenko has held the presidency longer than any other current European leader."

International press also covered Asian economic developments. Pakistani news outlets reported on a meeting between Alexander Lukashenko and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Yusuf Raza Gilani.

📰 Daily Independent Pakistan 🇵🇰: "The parties discussed opportunities for industrial partnership, creation of joint ventures, technology transfer, research and development, as well as cooperation in manufacturing."

Within the CIS, Belarus's experience in social sector development continued to be studied.

📰 Caliber 🇦🇿: "The head of state noted that complaints from citizens about the work of local authorities and banks in issuing housing loans periodically appear in media and social networks. According to him, such situations are unacceptable. 'These things should not happen! And here the government must get fully involved and, excuse my bluntness, cut off hands and feet for such things, regardless of whether it's banks or bureaucrats,' said Lukashenko."