Kerry Says Important to Maintain US-Russia Contact After Talks With Putin

Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry noted the importance of keeping open communication lines with Russia.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Kerry described the talks with Putin and Lavrov, held in the Russian resort city of Sochi, as “frank,” stating that they had discussed issues such as the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, as well as negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

Had frank discussions with President #Putin & FM #Lavrov on key issues including #IranTalks, #Syria, #Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/KDHrXgB0oH

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) 12 мая 2015

“Important to keep lines of communication between the U.S. and #Russia open as we address pressing global issues,” Kerry wrote on Twitter.

Important to keep lines of communication between the U.S. and #Russia open as we address pressing global issues.

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) 12 мая 2015

Relations between the United States and Russia have deteriorated over the past year amid the conflict in Ukraine.

However, the two countries continue jointly addressing other international areas of concern, most notably Iran’s controversial nuclear program, despite the tensions.

Wheels down in #Sochi. Full day of meetings with President Putin, FM Lavrov & other Russian leaders on a number of critical issues.

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) 12 мая 2015

Both Russia and the United States are part of the so-called P5+1 group of international negotiators that is working to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.