Russia’s envoy to Washington says bilateral relations are improving gradually, with ongoing diplomatic contacts signalling a positive overall trend despite a slow pace.
WASHINGTON: Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev has described bilateral relations as developing, albeit not as quickly as Moscow would prefer.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Darchiev stated that contacts with US authorities are ongoing and will continue, indicating a normalisation of cooperation.
“The presidents of the two countries set the goal of ‘restoring bilateral relations to at least some semblance of normal’,” the diplomat said.
He emphasised that maintaining constant contact is the main criterion for preventing a further deterioration in ties.
Contacts are continuing at the highest level, as well as through the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the ambassador.
Darchiev noted that representatives from the US State Department, White House, and Congress recently attended a reception at the Russian Embassy.
“This in itself is evidence that, albeit slowly, relations are improving,” he said.
The ambassador acknowledged the presence of negative factors but assessed the overall trend as “rather positive.”
He pointed to the historic summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska last August as a foundation.
Darchiev said the “toxic legacy” hinders the full implementation of the summit’s spirit in bilateral relations.
“The most important manifestation of the Anchorage spirit is that we are able to reach agreements based on mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests,” he added.
He concluded that significant work remains to overcome past obstacles, but the diplomatic engagement continues.
