The first Lavrov-Blinken talks are “constructive”

The head of Russian diplomacy Sergei Lavrov describes talks with US counterpart Anthony Blinken as “constructive” after their first meeting in Reykjavik (Iceland), on the sidelines of the Arctic Council.

“My discussion seemed constructive,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russia’s Sputnik news agency. Russia and the United States “understand the need to overcome the abnormal situation” in bilateral relations “created in recent years”, with heaps of deportations, sanctions and retaliation, he added. “We have a lot of problems, they are difficult to solve, but I noted that Anthony Blinken wants that to happen. “We are also ready for that,” he said.

Mr Lavrov also said he hoped that the leaders of the two states will come up with ways to improve relations.

The Russian news agency Interfax reported that the Russian Foreign Minister refrained from answering questions about the proposed summit of Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin in the summer. A press release issued by State Department spokesman Ned Price also said nothing clear about the meeting.

The two ministers tried to give an optimistic tone to their positions, both before and after the meeting, which lasted longer than planned (60 ′): it lasted about an hour and forty-five first minutes.

Veteran of Russian diplomacy Sergei Lavrov said “it is no secret that we have our differences”, while Anthony Blinken stressed that Washington will “react” if Moscow behaves “aggressively”, but believes that cooperation between the two countries would make the world “safer”.

Mr. Lavrov expressed hope that there will be cooperation “in spheres where our interests convergeBiden insisted that Joe Biden wanted “a predictable, stable relationship with Russia”, that the two countries could work together to tackle the new coronavirus pandemic, prevent climate change, tackle the program. Iran and North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, as well as in an effort to end the war in Afghanistan.

Bilateral cooperation “we believe would be good for our people, good for the Russian people and for the world,” said Mr Blinken.

According to Ned Price, the head of the American diplomacy asked Russia to release the American citizens Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, expressed concern for the deployment of Russian troops around and inside Ukraine, as well as for his state of health. imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Bilateral relations, already strained, deteriorated even further when Joe Biden – shortly after taking office – called Vladimir Putin a “killer” during a televised interview in March. of the word, “ruthless” if it was a transfer), forcing Moscow to recall the Russian ambassador for consultations.

The Russian ambassador has not yet returned to his post.

Half an hour after the meeting began, the United States announced sanctions against ships and legal entities involved in the construction of the $ 11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will transport Russian gas to Germany – a project in which Mr. Biden has clarify that he opposes. Washington, however, has decided to lift sanctions on the Russian-German company that leads the project and its German CEO.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Lavrov described Russia’s position vis-των-vis the United States as “very simple”.We are ready to discuss all issues without exception, provided that the discussion is fair (…) and, of course, that it is based on mutual respect.».

Russia reiterated its proposal “to start a dialogue on all dimensions (…) of the strategic stability”, the Foreign Minister continued. “I did not see this proposal rejected,” he added.

«We will make detailed proposals to our presidents“Regarding bilateral relations and diplomatic missions from one country to another, which currently operate a minima, as well as ‘strengthening the dialogue on strategic stability,'” he explained.

The possible meeting of Messrs. Biden and Putin may be in a third country next month, according to sources close to the two countries. Neither the date nor the place have been officially set.

You may also like