Russia, U.S. "natural allies" in anti-terror cooperation: Russian diplomat

Russia and the United States are "natural allies" in fighting terrorism, a Russian deputy foreign minister in charge of counter-terrorism said on Monday.

"We hope that, with (U.S. President) Donald Trump in power and a new administration in the White House, the West will change its approach to counter-terrorism," deputy foreign minister Oleg Syromolotov said in an interview with Russia's Izvestiya newspaper.

The West should "finally realize that the combat against terrorism does not tolerate double standards or hidden agendas, and that intergovernmental cooperation must involve lawful authorities of a country where the anti-terror operation is conducted," Syromolotov said.

According to him, the world today needs a broad coalition to fight international terrorism, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international rights protection and decisions of the United Nations Security Council.

He said that during this fight some countries are supporting some terrorists, thinking wrongly that they can control them.

The deputy minister stressed that despite the existing differences, Russia and the United States remain natural allies in matters of counter-terrorism. And, moreover, it is in the interests of both countries to enhance and strengthen this partnership.

"We hope that we can build more productive dialogue with Washington's new administration in that matter ... Against the background of unprecedented terrorist's activity, life itself will make us put aside our political disputes and eventually open and honestly cooperate in the matters of counter terrorism," he added. Endi