Kerry calls for constructive U.S.-Russia dialogue in face of challenges

Visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called for constructive dialogue between the United States and Russia, local media reported Friday.

"We are working effectively even with differences to try to find a path forward. I think that is in the interests of the American people and the Russian people, as well as in the interests of history and the future," Kerry said in an exclusive interview with Russia's TASS news agency during his recent visit to Moscow.

On Thursday, Kerry held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin. On top of the agenda of Kerry's visit were a peaceful settlement in Syria, the crisis in Ukraine and the fight against international terrorism.

During the visit on Wednesday and Thursday, Kerry urged Russia to promote peace in Ukraine and Syria, which "will do a huge amount to renew the relationship between the United States and Russia."

Crediting the joint efforts of Washington and Moscow in brokering a ceasefire in Syria, Kerry called on the two sides to "work effectively together without hidden agenda" in order to destroy the Islamic State and restore peace and stability in the region.

Commenting on the U.S. sanctions against Russia due to its allegedly role in the Ukraine crisis, Kerry urged Moscow to act "in a responsible way," which would eventually lead to the lifting of the sanctions.

The top U.S. diplomat also called for cooperation between the two sides in the fight against terrorism, citing recent deadly attacks that rocked the Belgian capital city of Brussels. Endi