Putin and Biden's first phone conversation mainly discussed the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty"

　　Putin and Biden talked on the phone for the first time, stating that they will complete the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty within a few days

　　China News Agency, Moscow, January 26 (Reporter Wang Xiujun) The Russian Presidential Information Bureau announced on the 26th that Russian President Vladimir Putin was talking on the phone with US President Biden.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the exchange of notes on the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between Russia and the United States, and said that in the coming days, the two sides will complete all necessary procedures to ensure that this important international legal mechanism for mutual restriction of nuclear missiles and nuclear arsenals continues Take effect.

　　According to the Russian "Kommersant" citing news from the US White House, this is the first telephone conversation between Putin and Biden.

The conversation was held at the initiative of the US.

According to the Russian President’s Information Bureau, the conversation between the two parties was pragmatic and frank.

During the call, Putin congratulated Biden on starting to perform his duties as President of the United States.

He pointed out that the normalization of Russia-US relations is in the interests of both countries.

In addition, the two sides also discussed bilateral and international issues, the possibility of cooperation in the fight against the new crown epidemic, and other issues including economy and trade.

　　According to the "Communist Youth League Pravda" news, Putin has submitted a draft law to the State Duma (lower house of parliament) on the same day, recommending the approval of the extension of the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty."

The Russian State Duma will conduct a review and vote on the 27th.

　　Slutsky, chairman of the Russian State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, said that the exchange of notes on extending the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" between Russia and the United States has become an important signal to safeguard the world's nuclear deterrence system.

　　The "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" was signed by the leaders of Russia and the United States in 2010 and came into effect on February 5, 2011, and is valid until February 5, 2021.

The treaty stipulates that the two countries must comprehensively reduce the nuclear warheads and missiles deployed during the Cold War. Seven years after the treaty enters into force, their respective nuclear warheads will be reduced to 1,550, and the number of nuclear missile launchers and bombers that can launch nuclear weapons will be reduced to 800. The number of deployed nuclear warhead delivery vehicles must not exceed 700.

　　At present, the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" is the only effective major arms control treaty between Russia and the United States.

Prior to this, Russia and the United States held several rounds of negotiations on the extension of the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty," but no substantial progress has been made.

On January 21 this year, the White House Press Secretary Psaki stated that the United States seeks to extend the upcoming "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" for five years.

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