Lukashenka meets with American preacher Franklin Graham

Alexander Lukashenka met in Minsk on May 15 with Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“Thank you for finding the time, despite the long distance, to come to us and discuss not only issues of interfaith communication, but also matters of interstate relations. Mr. Graham, you know Belarus a little, you have been here before. You have visited Russia more than once as well. Therefore, you know in what direction the situation and circumstances are developing. I am sure you know that in Belarus 25 religious denominations live peacefully, coexist, and interact. And frankly speaking, we are proud of this interfaith peace that exists in Belarus,” Lukashenka said.

“In Soviet times (the Soviet Union was officially an atheistic country, but unofficially everyone prayed), when I was a party committee secretary and worked in agriculture, half of my workforce were Protestants. I was very interested in how Protestants differed from Orthodox Christians and Catholics. I visited our Protestants in their homes. And I must tell you — they are the kindest people, incredibly hardworking,” he stated.

Lukashenka also asked Graham to convey his “best wishes” to US President Donald Trump.

“Franklin, I also want to thank you for the kind message that Mr. Cole conveyed to me during his visit and our talks. And you understand that without the president of the United States, perhaps it would have been more difficult for us to establish our relations. Therefore, when you meet him — and I know you have a good relationship with the president — please convey my warmest wishes to him. And tell him that in Belarus he has reliable friends and supporters,” Lukashenka assured.

Also present at the meeting was American journalist Greta Van Susteren, the wife of US special envoy for Belarus John Cole.