Relations between Moscow and Washington were discussed during the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bonn. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the new US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, met for the first time.
Reporters were looking forward to this meeting, and so eagerly that one of the representatives of the American media didn’t even give Tillerson a chance to finish his opening statement.
Tillerson: "Thank you, Mr. Lavrov. I am pleased to see you as well. Is Russia concerned about the turbulence in Washington? Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, in particular the United States".
The parties discussed the issues of international security, world crises and the situation in Ukraine. According to Sergei Lavrov, the new Secretary of State reaffirmed the willingness of the US to improve bilateral relations undermined by the previous administration.
Lavrov: "The meeting was pragmatic, business-like, and I would say it was productive because we compared our visions of how to move in directions that our presidents discussed over the phone on January 28, covering the important points. Of course, the relationship will always have important issues requiring coordination and problem solving. And we won’t be able to overcome all the differences in just one meeting. When the presidents find it possible, a meeting between President Putin and President Trump will take place".
Rex Tillerson said that the new US administration would look for areas of practical cooperation with Moscow. According to him, Washington, seeks a new understanding with Russia.
