China News Agency, Moscow, February 3 (Reporter Wang Xiujun) The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on its website on February 3, stating that the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" extension agreement came into effect.

　　The statement stated that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Russia exchanged notes and informed each other that the internal procedures for extending the validity of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty have been completed.

The "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" extension agreement entered into force on the same day.

　　The statement stated that the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" has no amendments or additional provisions, and its validity period will be extended to February 5, 2026.

　　The statement emphasized that in order for Russia and the United States to return to a stable dialogue track in this field (referring to the arms control field) and to achieve new and significant results in maintaining world strategic stability and national security, both sides need to make great efforts.

Russia is ready to complete such work and hopes that the US can show an equally responsible attitude and respond constructively to relevant Russian initiatives.

　　According to RIA Novosti news, US Secretary of State Blincoln said that after the extension of the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty", the United States will interact with Russia in a manner consistent with US interests to discuss reducing the possibility of crises and conflicts.

　　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 should comprehensively reduce the nuclear warheads and missiles deployed during the Cold War.

　　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.

On January 26, the Russian and American presidents spoke on the phone, stating that in the next few days, the two sides will complete all necessary procedures to ensure that the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" continues to take effect.

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