Russian, Mongolian foreign ministers discuss rising global tensions

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday discussed rising global tensions with his Mongolian counterpart Batmunkh Battsetseg.

"For my part, dwelt in detail on the reasons for the current unprecedented increase in tension in world affairs, on the destructive line of the United States and its satellites to solve their own narrow-minded interests at the expense of the interests of other countries," Lavrov said, speaking at a news conference in Mongolia's capital Ulan Bator.

Lavrov added that the positions of Russia and Mongolia coincide on most international issues.

"Mongolia and Russia proceed from the need to comply with the principles of the UN Charter, primarily the principle of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs," he said.

About the situation in Ukraine, Lavrov said Russia is interested in making available for the public "the facts about the behavior of the Kyiv regime in Ukraine," but the West is doing everything "to block the work of the media providing objective information."

He alleged that the West has engaged in a long-term plan to turn Ukraine into a "Russophobic, neo-Nazi state, a military springboard."

For her part, Batmunkh Battsetseg said the foreign ministers managed to settle some bilateral issues.

"I am very satisfied with the results of today's negotiations. During Minister Lavrov's visit to our country, we were able to settle some issues of cooperation relations between Mongolia and Russia, fruitfully discussed issues that require our attention. I have no doubt that our further cooperation will be fruitful," she said.

She added that the two sides addressed key questions on the bilateral agenda, and the implementation of agreements on trade, economy, transport, infrastructure, energy and humanitarian spheres.

Earlier on Tuesday, Lavrov also held meetings with Mongolia's President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and head of parliament Zandaakhuugiin Enkhbold.