(camera clicks)
QUESTION: Mr. Lavrov, the White House says (inaudible)
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, the Russians don't believe the intelligence
How confident are you Mr. Secretary --
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: Who was bringing you up?
Who was giving you your manners?
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Mr. Secretary of State,
dear colleagues.
We met in Bonn on February 16, where I told you about Moscow’s basic views
on Russian-US relations and international affairs.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] In the few months since then, many statements have been made in Washington
regarding current bilateral relations and their prospects, as well as key international issues.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Frankly, they have provoked many questions, considering Washington’s confusing
and sometimes openly contradictory ideas on the entire range of bilateral and international issues.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Moreover, these statements have been issued
alongside some alarming actions, notably the illegal attack against Syria.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Mr Tillerson, we discussed this in a telephone conversation.
President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders have expressed
their principled position on this issue.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] We consider it crucially important to prevent a repetition
of such actions in the future.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] I believe that you have come at the right time.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Your visit provides an indispensable opportunity to frankly
and honestly discuss the outlook for cooperation on these issues,
primarily the creation of a broad counterterrorism coalition, as President Vladimir Putin
and President Donald Trump have agreed to do.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] This is especially important at a time when, as far as we know,
not all key positions in the US Department of State have been filled
and hence it is not easy to quickly receive
clarification on current and future issues.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] More than once, we have reaffirmed our readiness
for a constructive and equal dialogue and
cooperation based on respect for the legitimate interests of the other.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] This has been our consistent policy that is fully in keeping with
international law and does not depend on the current political climate or a false choice,
such as “you are either with us or against us.”
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] We have always stood for collective action and we don’t think it is
productive to stand behind the closed doors of alliances and “misalliances”.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Of course, we have put forth this position to our American colleagues before,
and this is well known in Washington and to you, Mr Tillerson.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] For our part, we need to understand the position of the United States
and the practical intentions of the US administration.
We hope to move forward on these issues today.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (in Russian)
[VIA TRANSLATION] Welcome.
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you very much,
Foreign Minister Lavrov, for those opening remarks.
This does represent a continuation of our communications
and discussions and dialogue that began in Bonn.
[TRANSLATOR, in Russian]
We also had telephone conversations since that time, and as we’ve often agreed,
our lines of communication shall always remain open.
[TRANSLATOR, in Russian]
Our meeting today comes at an important moment in the relationship so that we can further
clarify areas of common objectives, areas of common interest,
even when our tactical approaches may be different,
[TRANSLATOR, in Russian]
and to further clarify areas of sharp difference so that
we can better understand why these differences exist
and what the prospects for narrowing those differences may be.
[TRANSLATOR, in Russian]
And I look forward to a very open, candid, frank exchange so that we can better define
the U.S.-Russia relationship from this point forward.
[TRANSLATOR, in Russian]
And I thank you for hosting these important meetings today, and I look forward to a very
wide-ranging discussion on a number of important topics.
[TRANSLATOR, in Russian]