U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said ahead of a meeting with Russia”s foreign minister on Tuesday that progress has been made in bilateral ties, and that the sides expect productive talks.
The top U.S. diplomat will meet with Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, and later with President Dmitry Medvedev.
Speaking to reporters with Lavrov, she said the talks would focus on “important matters we are working on globally.”
Since the “reset” in relations with Russia, following the tensions of recent years, “we”re moving forward which I greatly welcome,” she said.
Lavrov said: “We have prepared for this meeting for a long time, but I think that the work carried out by our ministry will allow us to productively hold the first round of strategic talks through the commission set up by our presidents.”
“We will be able to discuss key international issues, as well as the bilateral agenda. I expect fruitful discussions,” he said.
Among the key issues on the agenda are arms reduction and Iran”s nuclear program.
