China News Agency, Moscow, October 12 (Reporter Wang Xiujun) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov held a closed-door meeting with visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Newland in Moscow on the 12th.

After the meeting, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement stating that the Russian side proposed to abolish all restrictive measures adopted by both sides in recent years.

  The meeting lasted nearly two hours.

After the meeting, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the two sides discussed the current situation and prospects of the development of relations between the two countries, especially the work of the two countries’ diplomatic embassies and consulates in each other’s countries.

The Russian side emphasized that anti-Russian actions will be responded to, but the Russian side has no intention to further escalate the situation.

"We propose to abolish all restrictive measures adopted by both sides in recent years."

  The statement said that in the context of acute international and regional issues, the US adopting a confrontational line will only further deteriorate Russia-US relations.

  After the meeting, Ryabkov told the media that the dialogue between the two sides at this meeting was extremely frank and helpful, but at present the two sides have not reached an agreement.

"The U.S. does not listen to our logic and requirements."

However, the two sides will hold new consultations to mediate issues related to visas and the work of diplomatic consulates.

  Ryabukov emphasized that if it does not increase its efforts to normalize Russia-US relations, then Russia will not rule out the possibility of further deterioration of relations between the two countries.

  The U.S. Embassy in Russia posted a message on social networking sites that day that Newland described the meeting as "constructive" and that "the two sides discussed bilateral, regional and global issues."

  Newland arrived in Russia on the 11th, and his visit will last until the 13th.

According to the arrangements disclosed in advance, Newland will also hold meetings with Russian Assistant President Ushakov, Deputy Director of the Russian Presidential Office Kozak and others.

According to Ryabkov, for this visit to Russia, the United States issued a visa to Vorontsov, Acting Deputy Director of the Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Bureau of the Russian Foreign Ministry, in exchange for the entry of Newland, which was originally included in the sanctions list by Russia.

"Both parties are satisfied with this exchange."

  In April of this year, Russia and the United States expelled each other's diplomats, making bilateral relations that were already at a low point worse.

Regarding the Newland visit to Russia, some Russian experts believe that this shows that the United States does not want to escalate the confrontation between Russia and the United States, and its visit will help restore high-level contacts between the two countries.

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