14 December, Minsk /Tatyana Polezhay - BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko confirms readiness for a full-scale normalization of relations with the USA on a partnership basis. The Head of State stated this at a meeting with representatives of leading US analytical centers, BELTA correspondent reports. "I declare with full responsibility that we are ready for a full-scale normalization of relations with the USA," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "But the most important thing is that we are seen as a partner, not as a country that can be crushed, bent, or perhaps even trampled." "We will respond promptly with goodwill to respectful treatment towards us," the Head of State assured. According to him, any of Belarus's strategic partners can confirm this. "I want you to understand: Belarus is not a beggar with an outstretched hand waiting for free billions," the President emphasized. He noted that over the years of its independence, Belarus has achieved something: it demonstrates economic growth, has defined priorities in foreign and domestic policy as an independent and sovereign state. "By discarding stereotypes and prejudices, through a dialogue of mutual respect, we can solve the most complex problems," the President is confident. -E-

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