Belarus strongman offers 'new chapter' in rare talks with US

Belarus's strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday he was looking to open a "new chapter" in ties with Washington as he welcomed the White House national security advisor for rare talks in Minsk.

Lukashenko met with John Bolton as the aide to President Donald Trump continued his tour of ex-Soviet countries that was sure to ruffle feathers in Moscow.

The Belarusian president, a crucial ally of Russia's Vladimir Putin, said he hoped the visit would mark a turning point after years of distrust.

"Since the start of the deterioration of our relations with the United States, we have constantly proposed turning this bad page and opening a new chapter in our relations," Lukashenko said.

He said Bolton's visit would help "create the foundation for future relations" and that he hoped for "frank" discussions on "all issues".

"History is moving forward," the Belarusian presidency quoted Bolton as saying.

"A lot of time has passed since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the geopolitical situation has changed."