Russia expects US to ensure favourable G20 terms, deputy FM says

Russia expects the US, as host of the G20 summit, to back its words with action and ensure Russian representatives are given the most favourable possible conditions to participate in G20 events, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said.

In an interview with News.ru, he recalled that the US presidency has repeatedly stated publicly that the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the event would be highly beneficial, Caliber.Az reports.

“I would like to remind you that the leaders’ meeting will be preceded by several other high-level events, many of them preparatory in nature, including meetings of foreign ministers. We also expect that our American colleagues, as hosts of the event, will practice what they preach and ensure the most favourable possible conditions for Russian representatives, including the media, to participate,” he added.

Ryabkov further stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue with Washington on resolving the Ukraine conflict but will not abandon its fundamental positions on the matter.

“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about the need to bring new ideas to the peaceful settlement — we are ready to hear them if that is what the Americans’ aforementioned ‘efforts’ are about,” he stressed.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov