Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden exchanged views on bilateral ties and explored areas of possible cooperation during a phone conversation on Tuesday.

"They discussed a number of regional and global issues, including the intent of the United States and Russia to pursue a strategic stability dialogue on a range of arms control and emerging security issues, building on the extension of the New START Treaty," the White House said in a written statement referring to the 2010 agreement on strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty, extended for five years this February.

"President Biden also made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to Russia’s actions, such as cyber intrusions and election interference," the White House said.

"President Biden emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the White House said in a statement, noting that Biden voiced concerns over the sudden Russian military build-up in Crimea and on Ukraine’s borders, and called on Russia to de-escalate tensions.

Biden also proposed a summit between the two leaders in a third country as Washington.

"President Biden reaffirmed his goal of building a stable and predictable relationship with Russia consistent with U.S. interests, and proposed a summit meeting in a third country in the coming months to discuss the full range of issues facing the United States and Russia," the statement said.

Source - vestnikkavkaza.net

14 April 2021 / 10:07