Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. could help Belarus in its dispute with Russia.

Secretary of state reassures country in standoff with Russia

MINSK, Belarus — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday that the United States is willing and able to provide Belarus with 100 percent of its oil and gas, taking a slap at Russia, which recently cut off supplies.

Pompeo, the first secretary of state to visit Belarus in 26 years, arrived in Minsk amid new tensions between Belarus and Russia over energy. In a meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko, Pompeo said he hoped to help provide an opportunity for Belarus to achieve the “sovereignty” and “independence” it seeks.

“The United States wants to help Belarus build its own sovereign country,” Pompeo said at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei. “Our energy producers stand ready to deliver 100 percent of the oil you need at competitive prices. We’re the biggest energy producer in the world, and all you have to do is call us.”

Belarus fears Russia is trying to absorb it and last month began buying gas from Norway after Russian supplies were cut off. Last week, Lukashenko accused Russia, the country’s main provider of cheap oil and gas, of stopping supplies “to dissolve Belarus.”

Moscow argues that Belarus should accept greater economic integration if it wants to continue receiving energy resources at Russia’s domestic prices.

Pompeo said the U.S. wants to help fill the vacuum and will continue to boost staffing at its embassy in Minsk, which was reduced 12 years ago when the U.S. imposed sanctions on the country over rights abuses. The two countries agreed in September to exchange ambassadors for the first time since 2008. Pompeo said a new U.S. ambassador would be named soon.

Noting the recent history of poor relations, Lukashenko lamented the “absolutely groundless misunderstandings of the past authorities” and welcomed Pompeo’s visit.

Pompeo urged economic and political reforms and improved human rights conditions, a message similar to those he will bring to his next stops in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this weekend. At each stop, Pompeo will warn of attempts by Russia and China to assert themselves in Europe and Central Asia.

Lukashenko said Friday that Belarus is negotiating additional oil supplies with the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Mike Pompeo