HomeCountries & Areas…Belarus hide Belarus Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs International Travel Informations What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Informations: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 4: Do Not Travel Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Belarus U.S.-Belarus Relations U.S. Assistance to Belarus Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Belarus Relations The United States supports a sovereign, independent Belarus which respects the rights and voices of the Belarusian people. On December 25, 1991, the United States recognized the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and on December 28, 1991, Belarus and the United States established diplomatic relations. On January 31, 1992, the U.S. Embassy was officially opened in Minsk. The embassy The United States supports a sovereign, independent Belarus which respects the rights and voices of the Belarusian people. On December 25, 1991, the United States recognized the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and on December 28, 1991, Belarus and the United States established diplomatic relations. On January 31, 1992, the U.S. Embassy was officially opened in Minsk. The embassy of Belarus was opened in Washington in 1993. Alyaksandr Lukashenka came to power through a presidential election in Belarus in 1994 that was generally considered to be free and fair, but since that time, he has consolidated authoritarian control of the country through extensive repression and corrupt practices. Collapse U.S.-Belarus Relations Read more about U.S.-Belarus Relations U.S. Assistance to Belarus U.S. assistance to Belarus focuses on promoting democratic principles and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including by supporting independent media and capacity-building for civil society organizations. Since 1992, the U.S. government has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance to Belarus. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the U.S. government has provided over $2 million in COVID-related assistance. Bilateral Economic Relations Belarusian authorities have been reluctant to undertake systemic economic reforms necessary to create a market-based economy. The state sector accounts for half of all employment, and 60-70 percent of GDP. Belarus’ opaque legal and regulatory systems, and rule of law deficiencies create a challenging business environment. Since August 2020, the Belarusian authorities have increased pressure on private business. Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights February 25, 2024 Condemning Sham Parliamentary and Local Elections in Belarus February 9, 2024 Minsk, Belarus: QSI International School of Minsk: 2024 Special Needs Profile January 25, 2024 Condemnation of the Lukashenka Regime’s Raids on Former Political Prisoners December 8, 2023 First Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Belarusian Democratic Movement and Civil Society December 7, 2023 Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Anti-Corruption Champions Award Ceremony VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Belarus Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs