Opinions & Interviews

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association leader shares impressions of Belarus

Franklin Graham. Screengrab/news.by

MINSK, 17 May (BelTA) – Franklin Graham, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and an American preacher, shared his impressions of Belarus on the air of the First News TV channel, BelTA has learned.

Sharing his impressions of Belarus, Franklin Graham noted: “I traveled all the way from Vilnius across your entire country. Beautiful fields, it is simply a wonderful country. Driving into Minsk, I was amazed by how clean the city is, how modern it is, and by the friendliness of the people. It made a great impression on me, and later I learned how safe the city is. Where I live, some people carry weapons with them wherever they go because they are afraid. But here, that is not an issue at all.”

The preacher highly appreciated the work of the Belarusian president: “Lukashenko has done an incredible job governing this country. People always complain and grumble. In the United States, we have plenty of people who complain about President Trump or their political leaders. So, every political leader goes through this, but you have to look at the results.”

“Look at the growth Minsk has shown under President Lukashenko’s leadership. The progress achieved here is simply amazing,” Franklin Graham said.

He expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump would visit Belarus and see the country for himself. “President Trump wishes to foster better relations with Belarus. His appointment of Special Envoy John Cole demonstrates his commitment to improving these ties. I consider the development of this relationship to be of great importance. President Trump genuinely cares about this matter and intends to move toward better relations. This process requires dedication and time. Should President Trump request it, I will definitely share with him what I have seen and learned in this country,” Franklin Graham noted.

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