The US will lift sanctions on the Belarusian potash industry, announced US Special Envoy to Belarus John Cole.

On Friday and Saturday, Cole held talks with Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk.

Cole described the two-day talks to reporters as"very productive," the Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.

The talks focused on steps to normalize relations between Washington and Minsk, as well as lifting sanctions and releasing Belarusian political prisoners, Cole said. He also said that with increased dialogue, relations between the two countries are moving from"small steps to more assertive steps."

The talks also discussed Venezuela, as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Belta reported.

Cole told reporters that Lukashenko had given"good advice" on how to resolve the conflict, noting that Lukashenko and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin are"long-time friends" with "the necessary level of relationship to discuss such issues."

"Of course, President Putin may accept some advice and not others," Cole said.