Russian and US ministers to discuss missile defence

Missile defense, nuclear disarmament and military-technical cooperation will be in the focus of Friday’s talks between Russian and U.S. foreign and defense ministers, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told journalists. Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will take part in the talks. “This is the first meeting between the defense ministers. That is why our priority is to review everything what has been done in the past years and to determine plans for the future,” Antonov said, adding that Russian-U.S. consultations within the 2+2 format would centre on common approaches, which “allow us to move forward”. “Primarily, this is missile defense,” the Russian Deputy Defense minister said. The Russian delegation hopes to explain the country’s position on further steps towards nuclear disarmament and strengthening strategic stability, and prospects for military-technical cooperation, Antonov said. “Despite certain nuances in Russian-American relations, we hope that the consultations will be held in a constructive atmosphere and make steps towards strengthening strategic stability possible. Many people wait for concrete results because cooperation within the Russia-NATO Council and the global situation will depend on how Russia and the U.S. can agree so far,” Antonov stressed.