Russian ambassador in Washington calls on U.S. diplomats to Russia to combine efforts to normalize bilateral relations
WASHINGTON D.C. Dec 31 (Interfax) - Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has addressed a New Year's greeting to the employees of U.S. diplomatic missions to Russia, calling on them to combine efforts toward normalizing relations between Russia and the U.S.
"Please accept my best wishes for the coming New Year!
May it be successful, prosperous and happy for Americans and Russians; bring peace, consent and harmony to each home and every family," Antonov said in a greeting message posted on the Russian embassy's Facebook page.
"Let us join our efforts in order to achieve progress in normalizing U.S.-Russia relations. I am convinced that implementation of this task fully meets the interests of the peoples of the United States and Russia, will contribute to the strengthening of security and stability in the entire world," Antonov said.
The Russian ambassador and the newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan met in Washington on Monday to discuss prospects of relations between the two countries.
"Russian Ambassador to the United States Antonov met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Russia Sullivan at the Russian ambassador's residence in Washington on December 30, 2019," the Russian embassy to the United States said in a statement on Facebook.
"The sides exchanged views on the current status and prospective development of Russian-U.S. relations," it said.
The Senate confirmed the appointment of former Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan as the next U.S. ambassador to Russia by a majority of votes on December 12.
U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo swore Sullivan in on December 23.
Sullivan said in fall that bilateral relations with Russia had degenerated since the end of the Cold War, but called cooperation with Moscow necessary.