US-Russia Relations Not In ’Best State’ - Putin
Local Editor
Relations between Russia and the US are not in the "best state" these days, Russian President Vladimir Putin told visiting US National Security Adviser John Bolton, citing the ongoing political discord in America as the main reason.
The parties expressed their willingness to search for ways to enhance bilateral relations.
"Unfortunately, I have to say that Russian-US relations are not in their best state now," Putin said at a meeting with Bolton at the Kremlin on Wednesday.
"I have said this in public on many occasions, I would like to repeat at this meeting with you. I believe that to a great extent this is the result of a bitter internal political struggle in the US."
The Russian head of state expressed hope that the visit would pave the way for restoring ties.
"Your visit to Moscow provides us with hope that we will be able to take at least the initial steps towards restoring full-fledged relations between our countries," Putin said. "Russia has never sought confrontation."
Ties between the Kremlin and the White House have fallen to a new low under US President Donald Trump.
US intelligence services have accused Russia of cyber interference in America's democratic process, especially during the 2016 presidential face-off between Trump and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.
Trump, who has been willing to extend ties with Moscow, is currently the subject of a high-profile investigation for alleged "collusion" with the Kremlin.
Moscow and Washington also clashed on a range of other issues, including the war in Syria, the Ukraine conflict and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Putin told Bolton that both sides should explore ways "to mend full-fledged relations based on equality and respect for each other's interests."
Bolton said he wanted to discuss boosting Russian-US cooperation in the areas where both sides see eye to eye.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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