Russia, US seek to ‘renew talks’ on strategic stability

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Moscow and Washington intend to “renew talks” on issues pertaining to strategic stability, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

Russia is open to the dialogue on arms control, including advanced military developments and hypersonic weapons, Lavrov told reporters in an online interview.

The minister said he is going to discuss some of these topics in a phone talk with his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo in the near future.

Lavrov opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s assessments of the World Health Organization (WHO) role in the fight against coronavirus, saying the international body acted effectively to stem the coronavirus outbreak, which was reflected in the UN General Assembly resolution.

The minister added that Russia has no plans to ask the EU for lifting of sanctions against it.

As for the medical help to Italy, it was provided on the direct request of the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Lavrov said, adding Moscow does not expect anything in return, including sanctions alleviation.

Asked about any possible coronavirus cases among Russian diplomats, Lavrov said no cases were registered in the Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, three coronavirus cases were officially confirmed in the Russian Armed Forces. At least 133 soldiers are under medical surveillance as they were in contact with the infected colleagues.