Belarus

A meeting to discuss the operations of KGB, the State Security Committee of Belarus, was convened by President Aleksandr Lukashenko; key discussions focused on potential improvements to the agency's work

The International Environmental Forum was held in Altai on 25 July, with Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan taking part; among key issues were the development of national parks and biodiversity conservation

111.520 travelers from 38 countries included in the visa-waiver program have been welcomed in Belarus since 1 January 2025; most travelers came from neighboring countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Poland

Belarus released 14 political prisoners, including jailed opposition blogger Siarhei Tsikhanouski and three Polish nationals, following meetings of Alexander Lukashenko with envoys from U.S. President Trump in Minsk

Belarus' gold and foreign exchange reserves were estimated at $11.158 billion on 1 June, and half of the value is monetary gold; figures ground on preliminary data published on the National Bank's website

Production of wood pellets from wood waste is viewed as a very promising source of income for the country, said President Lukashenko, eyeing a sharper focus on the introduction of pellet heaters as a mean to recycle and respond to energy needs

Belarusian President Lukashenko expressed readiness to negotiate cooperation with Guinea-Bissau as he met with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau in Minsk on 7 May; all areas of activity are being considered, with a focus on agricolture

Belarus is moving to boost bilateral air transport cooperation with Iran; plans include the launch of direct flights between Tehran and Minsk, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said

The president's inauguration has taken place at the Palace of Independence on 25 March; newly re-elected President Lukashenko, placing his right hand on the Constitution, took the oath of office in front of over 1000 people invited at the ceremony

New tourist routes will be launched in all regions of Belarus with the aim of creating recommendations for each district as to what tourists should see first during their 5-6 hour trip

The Moscow Centre of the World Association of Nuclear Operators will conduct a planned partner inspection at the Belarusian nuclear power plant from 10 to 26 March 2025 for the achievement of high performance

Belarusian dairy processors exported six million tonnes of milk and dairy products in 2024, reaching 69 countries

143.936 large families have opened deposit accounts in Belarus under the family capital programme as of 1 February 2025