MOSCOW. Feb 5 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and new United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke over the phone for the first time on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"Congratulating his interlocutor on taking office, the minister expressed his readiness for a constructive dialogue on a broad range of issues," the statement said.
"As a follow-up to the telephone conversation between Presidents [of Russia and the United States] Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, the interlocutors welcomed the extension of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty [New START] until 2026, which will contribute to improving the overall situation in the field of international security and strategic stability. The issues of ensuring predictability in the area of arms control, taking into account the U.S. withdrawal from the INF [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces] Treaty, as well as in the context of the prospects for the Treaty on Open Skies, were discussed," the Foreign Ministry said.
In particular, facilitating a peaceful settlement in Syria and Libya, as well as the situation in Ukraine were discussed among the international issues, the statement said. Lavrov reminded the Secretary of State of Moscow's previous proposals to adopt joint Russian-U.S. statements on the unacceptability of a nuclear war and on non-interference in each other's domestic affairs, the Foreign Ministry said.
"In regard to the situation around Navalny touched on by Blinken, the minister gave detailed explanations of the need to respect the laws and the judicial system of the Russian Federation. [Lavrov] pointed out to the State Secretary the problems of the persecution in the U.S. of persons who protested the presidential election results, and urged ensuring the transparency of relevant court procedures," the statement reads.
"Sergei Lavrov confirmed that the Russian side is open for joint work to improve the entire range of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and the balance of interests. The readiness for mutual removal of the difficulties amassed in the operation of the Russian and U.S. diplomatic missions in the two countries was emphasized. Antony Blinken showed readiness for organizing an expert dialogue on these issues," the Foreign Ministry said.
The parties have agreed to maintain constant working contacts.