Moscow says Russia, US have interest in normalizing relations
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Zakharova says Russia and the US share an interest in restoring ties, with direct flights seen as key, during Eastern Economic Forum remarks.
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Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova speaks in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Apr. 28, 2022 (AP)
Unraveling the "tangle" of contradictions in bilateral relations is a goal of mutual interest for both Russia and the United States, as stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
"We are gradually unraveling this tangle. The interest in resolving these numerous issues is mutual," Zakharova stated, pointing out that the resumption of direct flights would constitute a symbol of improving interaction between the US and Russia.
"The Russian side has put forward the issue of the earliest possible resumption of direct air traffic as a matter of priority. It would not only become a symbol and embodiment of some kind of improved interaction between the two countries, but, most importantly, it would be enthusiastically welcomed by the citizens of both countries, diplomatically speaking. But otherwise, I think that people would breathe a sigh of relief," Zakharova stated.
The spokesperson said that the proximity of Russia and the US in the Bering Strait area underscores the relevance of launching direct flights between the two countries.
Earlier on August 27, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow continues to maintain dialogue with Washington through established channels while stressing that discussions on Ukraine must remain confidential in order to achieve results.
Peskov also underscored the significance of US President Donald Trump's involvement in efforts to end the conflict, stating that Russia highly appreciates and hopes for the continuation of his peacekeeping and mediation efforts, which they believe are very important and can genuinely contribute to a settlement.
