Lukashenko goes on 1st EU trip since sanctions lifted

REUTERS

The Belarusian leader has met with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella to discuss trade, economic and investment bilateral cooperation.

On May 21, Lukashenko is expected to have a meeting with Pope Francis to discuss Belarus relations with the Roman Catholic Church.

Read alsoEU decision on lifting sanctions against Belarus comes into forcePreviously the Belarusian President was not able to travel to Europe due to his inclusion on the sanctions list. In February, the E.U. agreed not to prolong economic sanctions against 170 Belarusian citizens, including the President. The decision was made after Minsk had released some of its political prisoners.