Russia Preparing Lavrov-Tillerson Meeting in Manila on ASEAN Sidelines

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Moscow is preparing a meeting between Sergey Lavrov and Rex Tillerson on the sidelines of the ASEAN forum.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Moscow is preparing a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"We confirm the information that the US side circulated yesterday: the meeting between Sergey Lavrov and Rex Tillerson in Manila is being prepared by us, it remains to agree on a specific time and some other organizational aspects," Ryabkov said.

"We expect that the US side will show readiness to conduct a constructive conversation on the entire range of issues that have long burdened our relations. Of course, there will also be a rich exchange of views on the main international issues," he said.

ASEAN was established by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in 1967. Since then, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia have joined the organization. The association strives to enhance regional cooperation in the economic, social, cultural and other spheres, as well as promote peace and security.