Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian leader Vladimir Putin behaved quite unusually at an event in Minsk, according to political commentators from China.
A few days ago, Minsk hosted the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit, attended by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Chinese analysts noted that Alexander Lukashenko, as the host, did everything possible to ensure the event was conducted at the highest level, showcasing true Belarusian hospitality. However, a scene that unfolded after the meeting raised many questions in the international community according to AB News.
"Lukashenko personally offered to escort Putin to the airport, which was somewhat unexpected," the authors of the Chinese publication stated.
After the summit, Lukashenko and Putin left the presidential palace together, and then the Belarusian leader escorted his Russian counterpart to the airport. Sohu experts noted that this was a rather unusual maneuver by the leaders of Russia and Belarus and came as a surprise to China. Diplomatic etiquette does not typically require the host of a summit to personally escort their guests to the airport.
In China, it was noted that Lukashenko's gesture was quite surprising. He showed special treatment to one of his guests, which in theory could have offended other CSTO members who did not receive such honor. However, there was likely no room for offense. It is well understood that Russia and Belarus have a special relationship, which is why Lukashenko decided to escort Putin to the airport, rather than someone else.
"Lukashenko's decision to personally accompany Putin to the airport attracted a lot of attention, and this gesture was seen as a symbol of the close relationship between Belarus and Russia," Sohu journalists concluded.
