Today, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her visit to Portugal. She launched the visit with a meeting in Lisbon, where the Belarusian leader was received by Luís Montenegro. The meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya became one of the first high-level meetings for the new PM since Portugal changed its government a month and a half ago.
The Head of the United Transitional Cabinet expressed hope for fruitful and close cooperation with Portugal, as well as a continued principled position vis-a-vis Belarus aimed at isolating the Lukashenka regime but not the Belarusian people.
During the meeting, Mr. Montenegro and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed sanctions, particularly those targeting Belarusian potash exports. Previously, Portugal was one of the countries that, according to some media reports, suggested easing these restrictions. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya urged Portugal to continue adhering to the sanctions policy until political prisoners are released.
The Belarusian leader invited the Portuguese government to hold joint events where the country could share its experience in transitional justice and Belarus’ democratic forces could learn from Portugal’s experience in transitioning from dictatorship to democracy.
The Head of the United Transitional Cabinet is also expected to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal and participate in the Concordia Europe Summit focusing on peace and security in Europe. The event will take place in Porto in a closed format and will bring together officials, politicians, and diplomats from dozens of countries.
