America News Agency

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that a Russian-American meeting at the level of heads of relevant departments is planned within the next two weeks.

Ryabkov noted: "In principle, an agreement has been reached to conduct relevant and comprehensive consultations for a systematic and detailed discussion of the entire block of issues referred to as a source of discomfort. We need to obtain information on who will act as our counterpart from the American side at this level. We have confirmed to the Americans that we are ready to start this work as soon as possible. There is also an agreement that before the round at the parliamentary level, directors of the relevant units will hold a consultative meeting. This meeting may take place within the next two weeks."

The Deputy Minister added: "We presented the elements of our approach to these issues (disruptions in relations) in Riyadh. The Americans are currently evaluating them. If necessary, we will further clarify our proposals, including presenting them in writing to facilitate procedures."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated:

"Simply put, today there are two parallel but, of course, politically interconnected paths: one concerns Ukraine-related issues, and the other concerns bilateral relations. Today, there is an understanding that we will primarily focus on developing and deepening dialogue on bilateral issues. Here, the elements referred to as sources of discomfort in bilateral relations will be addressed first, and in parallel, a specific process related to the Ukraine crisis will be launched. As for international issues, including strategic stability, such a possibility exists, and as we have repeatedly stated before, a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control will be possible when we see noticeable positive changes in US policy."

"I think we need to talk to the Americans about Middle East issues – this is obvious, given the dynamics and depth of the processes unfolding there, as well as the role that Russia plays and will play in this geopolitical direction. In other words, anything is possible."