US wants to improve relations with Russia

(Baonghean.vn) - That is the information from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov published by Reuters on August 24. According to Mr. Lavroy, the US has sent a "signal" showing that this country wants to start mending the relationship with Moscow, which has become tense over the years.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Last year, the US and the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on the Russian economy after the annexation of Crimea and alleged support for a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has denied arming the rebels and has responded to Western sanctions.

However, Russia and the US have cooperated in other areas, notably in brokering a nuclear deal with Iran last month. Lavrov made clear that Moscow was open to further dialogue, but that Russia would not “bend over backwards” to improve relations.

“But if we receive from the United States a proposal to mend relations, even gradually mend them, to restore the mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation that have been frozen, we will certainly agree,” Lavrov said. “We have received such a signal from the United States, although it is not clear yet,” he said at a meeting with young people.

As well as the Ukraine conflict that has killed more than 6,500 people since April 2014, Washington and Moscow are at odds over the Syria crisis, human rights and trade and security issues.

However, last week, Mr Lavrov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would "positively consider" any request to meet with US President Barack Obama when Mr Putin visits New York next month to attend the annual United Nations General Assembly.

Also last week, Mr Putin said at a meeting with US boxing champion Roy Jones Jr.: "In the relations between Russia and the United States, depending on different times, we have different options, but whenever these relations require improvement, we are always ready to build them as best as possible."

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters)