Lavrov and Rubio talks were 'substantive and frank' in Malaysia

Talks in Malaysia between top diplomats from Russia and the United States were described by the Russian Foreign Ministry as "substantive and frank" with both sides confirming their interest in seeking peaceful solutions to international conflicts.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on 10 July on the sidelines of ministerial events held under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework in Kuala Lumpur.

The two diplomats assesd key international crises and explored ways to restore bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on a broad range of international issues including the potential for restoring economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

Among the proposals raised was the possible resumption of direct air travel between Russia and the United States, which the Russian Foreign Ministry said could help facilitate people-to-people contacts. Additionally, both sides acknowledged the importance of improving the functioning of their diplomatic missions.

The discussion covered the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as the evolving situations in Iran and Syria. The meeting followed up on agreements that were reached by the presidents of Russia and the United States during a recent phone conversation on 3 July.

The Ministry concluded by stating that the dialogue was constructive and mutually respectful” between the foreign ministries of Russia and the U.S. and added that issues of shared interest would continue.

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