Russia and the US reach agreement to normalize diplomacy

Talks between high-level Russian and US officials, which began this morning in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, have concluded after a 4.5-hour marathon. Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, who was part of the Russian delegation, stated that the meetings went well. Ushakov underscored that a serious consultation on all issues took place between the parties.

Stating that Russia and the US have reached an agreement to advance bilateral relations, Ushakov also emphasized that the two countries have decided to show mutual respect. Ushakov noted that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump does not seem very likely to take place next week, adding that it is still difficult to speak about specific dates.

'DIFFERENT NEGOTIATION TEAMS WILL BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE UKRAINE CRISIS'

The Presidential Aide noted that contacts regarding Ukraine will be initiated by different negotiation teams from Russia and the US when the time comes.

Explaining that the parties have laid out their principled approaches regarding the Ukraine issue, Ushakov said, "We have reached a consensus that the negotiation teams for this issue will make contact when the time is right."

Ushakov stated that it is not yet clear who will be on Russia's Ukraine negotiation team, and that this will be determined by President Putin.

US: WE HAVE AGREED TO NORMALIZE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

In a statement from the US Department of State, it was reported that the two countries have reached an agreement to work toward normalizing diplomatic relations and the operations of diplomatic missions.

The Department stated that the parties have reached a consensus on cooperating regarding economic opportunities that may arise after the Ukraine crisis is resolved.

The US State Department noted that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his US counterpart Marco Rubio have also agreed to appoint negotiation teams, which will include high-level officials, to begin work toward a resolution in Ukraine.

The Department emphasized that a phone call between the leaders of Russia and the US is not enough for a 'lasting peace', but that an important step was taken in Riyadh.

RDIF CEO DMITRIEV: WE UNDERSTOOD EACH OTHER MUCH BETTER

Kirill Dmitriyev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), who was part of the Russian delegation at the meeting with US officials in Riyadh, stated that Russia and the US discussed the fact that it is impossible for two major powers not to communicate with each other.

Speaking to Pervy Kanal after the meeting, Dmitriyev said, "We discussed that it is impossible for two major superpowers not to communicate, not to engage in dialogue, and not to understand each other, as was the case during Joe Biden's presidency, including the American side."

'THE MEETING WAS VERY POSITIVE'

Describing the meeting between the Russian and American delegations as 'very positive', Dmitriyev said, "It is definitely a very constructive dialogue. We have a very long, serious road ahead, but this was a very positive start for constructive talks; there are many points of contact and a lot of consensus that there are positive economic projects that can connect us. Everything is very positive," and added:

"A very positive human interaction. And we really understood each other much better."

Emphasizing that the participants were grateful to Saudi Arabia for providing a platform for this meeting, Dmitriyev commented on the dinner organized within the framework of the meeting, saying, "First of all, everything was very delicious."

The RDIF CEO emphasized, "Secondly, we got to know each other much better."

Dmitriyev also stated that many jokes were made at the meeting table and that the Americans expressed their desire to visit Russia.

RUBIO: TRUMP WANTS TO PUT AN END TO THE UKRAINE CONFLICT

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a press conference held after the meetings in Riyadh, said that US President Donald Trump wants to end the conflict in Ukraine in a fair manner and prevent it from restarting in 2-3 years.

News Source: 12punto