In the previous three articles, we shared and reviewed the opening remarks from the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and the US Secretary of state Rex Tillerson and it was clear from the opening remarks that this meeting is going to be an exceptional one as Russia seeks to understand the real intentions of the Trump administration and its approach to the Russia-US relations especially after it attacked Shyrat airbase in Syria. We also reviewed the post-meeting comments from Mr. Lavrov, which clearly shows that Mr. Tillerson was successful to thaw the chill. The meetings looked to be very successful.

• Mr. Lavrov’s post-meeting opening statement was followed by a statement from Mr. Tillerson and he said,
• The meeting was productive. He had a two-hour meeting with President Putin, where he discussed the current state of U.S.- Russia relations which is at a low point and the trust level is low.
• He said that the world’s two foremost nuclear powers can’t have this kind of relationship. He said that he and the President further discussed approaches to improving channels of communication. Had a lengthy discussion on Syria and shared perspectives on possible ways forward.
• He said, earlier he had a long discussion with foreign minister Lavrov on issues that requires immediate attention and on issues that require longer-term attention. He says that the United States understand that improvement in the long-term relationship will be required to make progress on issues where we have different views.
• Talks were extensive with regard to Syria. In some areas, views were common. Both of them believe in a unified and stable Syria and to deny safe haven for terrorists.
• The duo agreed on de-nuclearization of North Korea and agreed on the need for more senior level communications between the two countries both diplomatic and military.
• However, he stressed that there are broad ranges of issues where views are different and in this regard, in the past, reciprocal actions were taken by the two countries. He said that there is a need to put an end to this steady degradation and restore trust between the two countries.
• He and Mr. Lavrov have agreed to establish a working group to address smaller issues and make progress toward stabilizing the relationship so that the more serious problems can be addressed.
• Both have agreed to continue discussions about how to find solutions to Syrian conflicts.
• North Korea was discussed and the constructive role Russia can play in encouraging the regime in North Korea to change its course so that it creates conditions for talks regarding the future.
• He stressed that both considered the importance of Minsk agreement and where Russia can make progress in implementing it. He adds, “Russia can make progress in implementation by de-escalating violence and taking steps to withdraw separatist armed forces and heavy weapons so that OSCE observers can fulfill their role. Until full progress is made under the Minsk Accords, the situation in Ukraine will remain an obstacle to improvement in relations between the U.S. and Russia.”

Compared to Mr. Lavrov’s statement, Mr. Tillerson was brief but it was evident from all the words that the cooperation between the US and Russia is far from being over. As a matter of fact, words from these two foreign ministers indicate a new beginning in relations.