Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said during a video address to students at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies in Monterey that Moscow does not need favors from Washington, but requires respect to build mutually beneficial relations
“We do not need any special favours or assistance from the US, but we demand respect in order to build mutually beneficial relations. We expect our interests to be taken into account. In the current turbulent global environment, we should learn to work together for the security and prosperity of Russians and Americans. The Russian side is ready for this work”, – Antonov said.
According to the diplomat, the U.S.-Russia summit in Geneva did not significantly improve relations between the countries, but the most important agreement was the decision to begin a comprehensive bilateral dialogue. Antonov stressed that despite the negativity that was stirred up by the US media on the eve of the summit, the high-level talks took place “in a calm, businesslike and generally constructive atmosphere”.
“We are under no illusions about cardinal breakthroughs. Over the last years there have been too many mutual claims and contradictions which cannot be resolved in one go. However, there is room for a positive momentum. They can be achieved by reaching an understanding about the feasibility of restoring systematic contacts on key issues of bilateral and international agenda”, – the diplomat concluded.