During their first meeting on Wednesday in Reykjavik, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for cooperation and an "honest" dialogue amid tensions between Moscow and Washington. Blinken stated to reporters during a bilateral meeting with Lavrov on the sidelines of the Arctic Council, "Our vision is that if the leaders of Russia and the United States can work cooperatively (...) the world will be a safer place." He added, "We are looking for a stable and predictable relationship with Russia. We believe this is good for our people, good for the Russian people, and truly beneficial for the world." However, he cautioned, "If Russia acts aggressively against us or our partners or allies, we will respond."
Lavrov, for his part, said, "We are ready to discuss all issues, without exception, provided that the discussion is honest (...) and based on mutual respect." The two men noted several areas where agreements could be reached, such as climate, pandemic response, as well as issues related to Afghanistan, North Korea, and Iranian nuclear matters. Lavrov told Blinken, "Our approach is very different when it comes to analyzing the situation on the international stage," but stressed, "More importantly, we are trying to use the diplomatic potential to the fullest extent, and I greatly appreciate that you are showing such willingness, and you can count on reciprocity from our side in this matter."
Lavrov expressed Moscow's readiness to "remove the debris" inherited from previous U.S. administrations, particularly regarding the "operations of joint diplomatic missions," which currently provide only minimal services due to the mutual expulsion of diplomats. He also praised the "constructive" talks with Blinken after their first meeting since Joe Biden's election as president. Russian news agencies quoted Lavrov saying after the meeting, "The discussions seemed constructive to me." The Russian Foreign Minister noted that both Russia and the United States "recognize the need to put an end to the unhealthy climate that has developed in relations between Moscow and Washington in recent years." He specifically felt that the Americans were dissatisfied, just like the Russians, with the repeated mutual expulsions of diplomats that had occurred in past years. Lavrov underscored Russia's proposal to "initiate dialogue on all aspects of (...) strategic stability," stating, "We will prepare proposals for our Presidents" regarding the situation related to diplomatic missions and the enhancement of strategic stability dialogue.
On the other hand, Blinken expressed "deep concern" during the meeting regarding the buildup of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that Blinken also conveyed U.S. concerns about the health of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the "suppression" of opposition organizations during the approximately two-hour meeting with Lavrov in Reykjavik.
