Russian, United States high-ranking diplomats to discuss Syria, bilateral ties in Moscow

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday he plans to meet with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon in Moscow, TASS News Agency reported.

"The main focus is Syria affairs where many issues are in dynamics every day. We also have to continue discussing bilateral issues in relations with the United States and strictly speaking, this is the key issue with which I will deal," he added.

Ryabkov said the talks will focus on the same issues as during the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to Russia last week. He added that the sides will also discuss the implementation of the package of measures on solving the Iranian nuclear problem.

The US Department of State said on Monday that Shannon is will be in Moscow from March 28-31 for meetings with senior Russian officials to follow up on Kerry’s meetings. "Under Secretary Shannon will also meet members of Russian civil society and participate in events with the Embassy Moscow community," it said in a press release.

Last week, Kerry paid his third visit to Russia over the past 12 months. He previously visited Russia in May and December 2015. In Moscow, Kerry held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After talks, Kerry said the sides agreed on joint actions on Syria. 

Source : MENA