NEW ERA AFTER ELECTION
Experts said after the election that the ex-Soviet republic would usher in a new era both domestically and internationally.
On the domestic front, Lukashenko has pledged further efforts to help Belarusians get wealthier. He said he would continue to develop the country's infrastructure and social welfare, while hinting that there would be political changes in the country.
On the international front, renowned Belarusian political analyst Vadim Gigin believed the country would embrace a new phase of foreign affairs engagement.
One of the most important achievements of Belarus in recent years is the diversification of its foreign economic relations, which serves as the basis for an all-round foreign policy, Gigin said.
Belarus registered a "previously unimaginable improvement" in its foreign relations a few months before the presidential election, he said, citing frequent contacts and dialogues between Minsk and senior officials from Washington and Brussels.
This proved the "collapse of the West's diplomatic block" against Belarus, the expert said.
Lukashenko told media Sunday that Belarus hoped to maintain an "excellent" relationship with Russia and "good" ties with the United States.
On ties with the European Union (EU), the president said Belarus had repeatedly voiced its hopes to further the relations, and the level of bilateral cooperation solely depended on the EU's willingness.
Belarus wished to develop a partner relationship with all countries on an equal basis, he said.
Analysts believed Belarus would continue to try to get the most out of its dealings with Russia and Western countries by using its unique geopolitical strategic position.
In return, Russia and the West will have to make various compromises with Minsk, given Lukashenko's important status in the country now.