Local officials need to be more proactive in decision-making and work harder, President Lukashenko said, emphasising "if someone is not willing, we will force them, if someone does not know how to do it, we will teach them"

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