Russia and America: "Competitors Not Enemies" - US Congress Delegation Welcomed by Duma
Today, the US congressional delegation was received in Moscow. The congressmen came here to discuss the upcoming meeting between the leaders of the US and Russia. "Moscow and Washington can be competitors in areas such as sports, but they're not adversaries." That's how the congressmen who visited our capital today views the relations between our two countries.
Here's Aleksandr Yestigneev with a report on what those words mean to us today.
These are not regular visitors to Smolenskaya Square. A car with an American flag has arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry's skyscraper. After a moment of hesitation, they step inside. The meeting began with a small talk. Sergey Lavrov asked whether the congressmen enjoyed their trip to Saint Petersburg. Apparently, they did. The atmosphere at the negotiating table reflected a beacon of hope that rapport can be established between the United States and Russia.
Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia: "I hope your visit will symbolize the renewal of relations between the two legislatures. Your visit is taking place ahead of the meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia, which will be held in Helsinki. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the relations between our countries".
Richard Shelby, head of the US congressional delegation: "We realize that we have a strained relationship, but it's important to maintain the dialogue".
Richard Shelby, head of the US congressional delegation is the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, an influential committee, which is not related to foreign affairs.
This tactic was used to show that the delegation is on an official, yet informal visit. Political analysts took note of the delegation members. First of all, all of the congressmen represent Southern states, which voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election. Secondly, all of the delegation members are Republicans, the American president's fellow party members. Interestingly enough, none of the seven delegation members have ever been to Russia before. It appears that, ahead of the meeting with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump wants the public opinion on Russia to be shaped by representatives of the people, rather than biased media giants.
Richard Shelby: "I thought we had a good meeting. We touched upon many important subjects. We mainly focused on the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin".
The next point on the agenda was a visit to the State Duma. The congressmen were impressed by the full house in the assembly hall.
- Let's welcome our colleagues!
It's been a while since the last US-Russia inter-legislature meeting took place. Today's meeting was initiated by the American government. Vyacheslav Volodin, State Duma speaker, stressed that the meeting gave the countries a chance to mark a turning point in the bilateral relations.
Vyacheslav Volodin, State Duma speaker: "We decided to continue the dialogue without leaving aside pressing issues that are extremely important to us".
The Federation Council's message was the same: Our countries shouldn't be adversaries. They should simply be competitors in areas such as trade and sports. By the way, visiting Russia during the World Cup is a good way to get to know the country while it's at the apex of its hospitality.
Another moment to facilitate cordial relations: The US delegation will be celebrating the 4th of July, or Independence Day, in Moscow.
Aleksandr Yevstigneev, Aleksei Kalach, Nikolai Lavrukhin, Vesti.