Russia, US Hold ‘Substantive And Frank’ Discussion On Ukraine, Iran And Syria 

By Rohani Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Russia and the United States (US) have held “substantive and frank” discussions on the settlement in Ukraine, and the situation in Iran and Syria. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry said this in a statement following a bilateral meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings  (AMM) and related meetings, here, Thursday.

It said as a follow-up to the agreements reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, including during their latest telephone conversation on July 3, the ministers  reviewed all issues on the bilateral agenda and the global situation.

“They have reaffirmed mutual commitment to searching for peaceful solutions to conflict situations and resuming Russian-US economic and humanitarian cooperation and unhindered ties between their countries’ societies, which could be promoted by the resumption of direct flights.

“They also emphasised the importance of continued efforts to normalise the functioning of bilateral diplomatic missions,” according to the statement on its website.

It has been agreed to continue constructive dialogue on a growing number of issues of mutual interest based on mutual respect between the Russian and US foreign policy offices, the statement added.

Lavrov and Rubio are currently in the Malaysian capital to attend ministerial-level ASEAN-led meetings, including ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences, the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled for July 10 and 11. 

The ongoing 58th AMM and related meetings are being held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

-- BERNAMA