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Moscow, Washington could closely cooperate on combatting terrorism: Russian FM

Xinhua, January 30, 2017 Adjust font size:

Russia and the new U.S. administration have broad prospects for cooperation, primarily regarding anti-terrorism, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

"There is a determination to reach results, but the practical work lies ahead," Lavrov told a press conference, commenting on Saturday's first phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump since the latter's inauguration.

Lavrov said the conversation revealed "mutual respect and willingness to communicate without sermons" on the basis of the national interests of both countries.

According to Lavrov, Putin and Trump agreed that work at the level of experts and within the framework of their subsequent contacts will "definitely take place" with the details and timing yet to be coordinated."

Lavrov said he sees "practically unlimited possibilities" in joint actions against the Islamic State as the two presidents stressed during the call to prioritize anti-terrorism.

The top diplomat said there could be professional dialogue between Russian and the U.S. armies to elaborate concrete measures to suppress terrorism in Syria.

Russia can also provide additional aid, primarily in exchange for intelligence, to combat IS in Iraq, Lavrov said.

In addition, the Russian foreign minister said Moscow expects a clarification of Trump's recent proposal to create security zones in Syria.

"As I understand it, the U.S. initiative is aimed at creating zones where migrants could feel safe and alleviating the migration burden for countries surrounding Syria, other countries in the region, Europe and the United States itself," he said. Endi