The Thirteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the United States-Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva from March 29 to April 11.
The U.S. and Russian delegations continued the discussion of practical issues related to the implementation of the Treaty.
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as they celebrate the Lao New Year.
This past year our two countries announced a Comprehensive Partnership, which opened a new era in the U.S.-Lao relationship and deepened our diplomatic, commercial and people-to-people ties. We celebrate our friendship with the Lao people and look forward to new opportunities for our two countries to work together.
Best wishes for a prosperous and joyful New Year.
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of Cambodia as you celebrate the Khmer New Year.
Khmer New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on years of productive partnership between the United States and Cambodia. We have worked together to increase trade, strengthen civil society, improve health, and protect Cambodia’s natural and cultural heritage.
As you gather with family, friends, and neighbors to honor Cambodia’s rich traditions and culture, know that the United States stands with the people of Cambodia as partners and friends. Congratulations and best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy New Year.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via translation) Who was bringing you up? Who was giving you your manners?
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.
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. Frankly, they have provoked many questions, considering Washington’s confusing and sometimes openly contradictory ideas on the entire range of bilateral and international issues. Moreover, these statements have been issued alongside some alarming actions, notably the illegal attack against Syria. Mr Tillerson, we discussed this in a telephone conversation. President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders have expressed their principled position on this issue. We consider it crucially important to prevent a repetition of such actions in the future.
I believe that you have come at the right time. 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. 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. 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. 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.”
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”. 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. 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.
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.
We also had telephone conversations since that time, and as we’ve often agreed, our lines of communication shall always remain open.
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, 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.
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. 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.
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we send our warm wishes to the people of the Kingdom of Thailand on the celebration of Songkran.
We are committed to our enduring friendship with Thailand, a partnership that has spanned nearly 200 years. This year, the country’s celebration of Songkran is marked by continued sadness at the passing of King Bhumibol. His reign strengthened our countries’ friendship, and his wisdom will be remembered for generations to come. In continuing his vision, we remain committed to partnering on important issues that will enhance the security of our countries and the region. The United States looks forward to continuing our valuable cooperation in the New Year.
We wish all Thai people a healthy and prosperous New Year.