Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with US media organization Newsmax on Monday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was welcome to come to Belarus should he leave office, but that no such discussions had been held with Maduro.

Axar.az informs, citing Reuters, tensions are high between the US and Venezuelan governments, with a large-scale US military buildup in the southern Caribbean, US strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats and comments from US President Donald Trump that land operations may begin soon in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government has said the US is seeking regime change to take over the country’s vast oil reserves.

In his interview with Newsmax, Lukashenko said Belarus and Venezuela had longstanding relations and that Maduro was welcome to come to Minsk if he so wished.

“Maduro was never an enemy or an adversary for us. If he wanted to come to Belarus, the doors for him are open,” Lukashenko said in excerpts of the interview posted on the Pul Pervogo Telegram channel linked to the president’s administration.

“But let me tell you honestly, this has never been discussed. Maduro is not the sort of person who leaves or flees. He is one tough guy.”

Lukashenko said he would be pleased to discuss the issue of Venezuela - and other matters in talks with Trump.