Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka presented an icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker to US President Donald Trump.
Modern.az reports that RBK disseminated information about this.
According to the information, closed talks were held in Minsk on December 12–13 between Alexander Lukashenka and a US delegation. The US side in the talks was led by John Koole, President Donald Trump's special envoy. During a break in the meetings, Lukashenka presented gifts addressed to the US President and his family through John Koole. Footage of that moment was broadcast by Belarus's “Belarus 1” television channel.
Touching the icon he presented, Alexander Lukashenka stated that it is a valuable symbol for the Christian world. According to him, Saint Nicholas is also highly revered in America, and Donald Trump greatly appreciates this saint.
In addition, Lukashenka also sent gifts for US First Lady Melania Trump. According to the television channel, a golden box contained jewelry in the form of a white cornflower (cornflower) made by Belarusian craftsmen, and other souvenirs.
On December 13, the US presidential family sent a personal letter to Alexander Lukashenka through John Koole. The letter thanked the Belarusian side for its hospitality and gifts, and also conveyed congratulations on the upcoming Christmas holiday. It was noted that Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in the Catholic world.
During the meetings held in Minsk, major geopolitical issues and practical topics concerning US–Belarus bilateral relations were discussed. At the conclusion of the talks, the US lifted some of the sanctions imposed against Belarus, including restrictions on Belarusian potash. At the same time, Alexander Lukashenka pardoned 123 foreign and Belarusian citizens. The Belarusian authorities stated that these decisions were made in agreement with Donald Trump.
