Belarus’ contacts with the United States are setting the tone and helping to awaken Europe, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Sekreta said on the air of the First News TV Channel, BelTA reports.

Igor Sekreta was asked how Belarus’ active negotiations with the US might influence the European position.

“Contacts with Washington are, to a certain extent, setting the pace and stirring our European colleagues into action, so to speak,” said the deputy foreign minister. “Engaging in dialogue with Washington is easier, in my view, than with Europe. That is because Europe consists of 27 members. At any moment, the particular opinion or stance of a single country can undo any prior arrangements.”

“With Washington, however, we know exactly who we are dealing with. There is a single center for decision making there. The decisions reached between Minsk and Washington are implemented and take concrete form, whether through the lifting of sanctions or the resolution of issues concerning the supply of various goods,” he continued.

According to Igor Sekreta, contacts between Belarus and the United States are ongoing, and the relevant work continues, including behind closed doors. “A broad range of topics is under discussion, including regional security,” he said.