Lavrov and Rubio to Meet in Malaysia Amid Tense US-Russia Relations
The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that preparations are underway for talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between the two countries, which have been strained by recent tensions, including US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Rubio and Lavrov have engaged in several phone conversations since Trump’s return to the White House in January, but their only in-person meeting to date was in Saudi Arabia in February as part of efforts to normalize relations. The meeting in Kuala Lumpur is scheduled for Thursday, with Lav’trov and Rubio attending the annual ASEAN Regional Forum. Talks are expected to take place at 6pm local time (10am GMT), according to the State Department.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed the meeting, stating, “I can confirm that a meeting is in the works.” Meanwhile, Trump has criticized Putin over the Ukraine conflict, accusing him of being unwilling to resolve the issue. The Kremlin has responded to Trump’s remarks with calmness, stating that it is committed to continuing dialogue with Washington to repair bilaterally damaged relations.
Trump’s harsh rhetoric towards Putin has raised concerns about the potential impact on diplomatic engagements. Despite the tensions, both countries continue to seek ways to improve bilateral communication, underscoring the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels even amidst political discord.
The ASEAN Regional Forum provides an international platform for such discussions, allowing both nations to engage with other regional stakeholders. The outcome of this meeting could have implications for broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on global security.
As the meeting approaches, analysts are closely monitoring the potential for progress in US-Russia relations, with hopes that this dialogue will lead to meaningful steps toward resolving outstanding issues between the two nations.