Top Russian, US diplomats hold first meeting in Germany

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his American counterpart Rex Tillerson met for the first time in Germany on Thursday.

"We have a lot of issues to discuss. These topics mainly were discussed during a phone conversation between our presidents," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russia's official TASS news agency.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the phone on Jan. 28 for the first time since the former was elected last November.

Thursday’s meeting took place on the sidelines of a G20 forum in Bonn.

Lavrov added: "I hope that we will determine the parameters of our future work on each of these issues."

When asked if "turbulence" was affecting Russian-American relations, Lavrov said: "You should understand that we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other states."

Asked when Putin and Trump will meet, Lavrov said the presidents would arrange a meeting when they "deem [it] possible".

Lavrov added that no discussions were held about U.S. sanctions on Russia but said the ministers agreed on "common" interests in fighting terrorism.

The pair also discussed the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.

Tillerson said Washington would like to establish cooperation with Russia, according to TASS.

He said the U.S. would explore the possibility of working with Russia, adding that there are some areas where Moscow and Washington disagree.

Tillerson said the U.S. expects Russia to comply with its obligations under Minsk agreement and work towards a de-escalation of violence in Ukraine.