Trump Hails ‘Very Good’ Russia-US Meeting in Riyadh, Expresses Confidence in Stabilization Efforts
In recent diplomatic developments, US-Russia relations have taken a significant turn, as President Donald Trump expressed a newfound confidence following a series of executive orders signed at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. This shift comes in the wake of critical discussions between the two nations aimed at bridging gaps and fostering cooperation.
On February 18, a pivotal meeting took place in Riyadh, lasting an impressive 4.5 hours. The talks brought together high-ranking officials from both countries, marking a crucial step in diplomatic engagement.
- Russian Delegation: The Russian side was represented by key figures including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yury Ushakov, and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev.
- US Delegation: The United States was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and the US leader’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steven Witkoff.
During this significant meeting, both delegations engaged in extensive discussions on various pressing topics, including:
- Alignment of Positions: The delegations worked towards reconciling their differing viewpoints.
- Ukraine Situation: They addressed ongoing issues related to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for collaboration.
- Ambassador Appointments: Lavrov reported that both nations agreed on the urgent need to appoint ambassadors in their respective capitals.
Ushakov shared that the dialogues were constructive, indicating a potential thaw in relations between the two countries. The discussions not only focused on the immediate geopolitical concerns but also on establishing a framework for future cooperation.
In a statement, the US Department of State echoed this sentiment, noting that Lavrov and Rubio had reached an agreement to form negotiating teams specifically focused on the Ukraine issue. This initiative is seen as a critical step towards stabilizing the region and fostering a collaborative environment.
In conclusion, the recent talks in Riyadh demonstrate a willingness from both the United States and Russia to engage in meaningful dialogue. With the appointment of ambassadors and the establishment of negotiating teams, there is cautious optimism about the future of US-Russia relations.
As these discussions unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a period of enhanced collaboration between these two powerful nations.
