Page 12 - RusRPTJun21

Summit to talk about
The meeting in Reykjavik went off well with Blinken telling Lavrov the US is seeking a “more stable and predictable relationship with Moscow,” but added that the US would “act firmly in the defence of US interests.”
“There are many areas where our interests intersect and overlap, and we believe that we can work together and indeed build on those interests,” said Blinken. “It is our view that, if the leaders of Russia and the United States can work together cooperatively, our people, the world can be a safer and more secure place,” he added.
Lavrov responded in kind by laying out a shopping list of complaints, but ended his opening remarks saying that Russia is also looking for “strategic stability” in its relationship with Russia.
“We seriously diverge in our assessment of the international situation and our approaches towards how we should resolve it,” Lavrov said. “Our position is clear: we are ready to discuss all issues without exception, on the understanding that the discussion will be honest, factual, and conducted with mutual respect. The laws of diplomacy recommend mutuality, especially when it comes to a response to any kind of hostile actions. Our task is to make the best of the diplomatic opportunities we have, and we appreciate that you demonstrate such an approach,” he noted. “Not exactly similar views but similar goals,” emphasized Lavrov, without the help of a Russian translator.
As bne IntelliNews has reported the two rivals are engaged in a delicate diplomatic dance that combines offers of cooperation and sabre rattling. Blinken in particular highlighted the recent build up Russian troops on Ukraine’s border and also called for the release of two Americans -- Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed -- in Russians jails, who have been charged with espionage.
The list of differences is long and the two diplomats are not seeking the reset that former president Barak Obama tried at the start of his first term, but there is a clear message that pragmatic cooperation is possible.
Blinken mentioned Russia’s military operations in the Syrian civil war and added that it’s “no secret that we have our differences,” just after an elbow bump with Lavrov in his opening remarks.
Blinken, according the US account, added some more specifics of issues the two discussed, suggesting, “enhanced cooperation,” involving Afghanistan, as well as curbing the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea. Russia is deeply involved in all three areas.
Lavrov took an almost identical line saying before the meeting that there were “serious differences” in how the U.S. and Russia view major issues in the world, but added, “our task is to make the best of the diplomatic opportunities that we have.”
12 RUSSIA Country Report June 2021 www.intellinews.com