Lavrov and Blinken discuss a political solution to the crisis in Syria

Moscow (ST): Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reviewed in a phone call with his American counterpart Anthony Blinken a political solution to the crisis in Syria and the situation in Libya and Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Lavrov affirmed Russia’s readiness to normalize  relations with the United States and conduct a constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues, noting that both sides indicated that extending the Treaty on Limiting Offensive Strategic Weapons until 2026 will contribute to improving conditions in the field of international security and strategic stability.

The two sides touched upon the issue of ensuring transparency in arms control by recalling the US withdrawal from the Intermediate and Short-Range Missile Control Treaty, as well as the future of the Open Sky Agreement. 

During the call, Lavrov mentioned the proposals previously made by Russia to adopt joint Russian-American statements on the necessity of preventing nuclear war and not interfering in internal affairs.

On the issue of the Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, Lavrov clearly emphasized the need to respect Russia’s laws and judicial system.

The two ministers also called for  cooperation in the field of combating the pandemic of coronavirus infection, including through joint work in designing and developing vaccines.

K.Q.