US secretary of state talks with Russian FM on Ukraine, cooperation

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov for the first time.

Tillerson said the United States will search ways to work with Russia, but Moscow should abide by the previous deal over Ukraine crises.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meeting in Germany's western city of Bonn. It was also marked as Tillerson's maiden diplomatic trip.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Tillerson used the "America first" rhetoric, saying the United States will consider working with Russia in areas of practical cooperation that "will benefit the American people."

"Where we do not see eye to eye, the United States will stand up for the interests and values of America and her allies." Tillerson said.

Tillerson also reminded Russia to honor the commitments to the Minsk agreements and work to de-escalate the violence in Ukraine.

The Minsk deal, aiming at reaching a ceasefire between Ukrainian government forces and armed forces in eastern area, did not quiet down the violent clashes between the two sides which has killed thousands.

Lavrov called the meeting "pragmatic" and "business-like", adding that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan were among the topics between them.

"We noted the existence of common interests, primarily in terms of the fight against terrorism." Lavrov said. Endit