Lavrov calls for continuing dialogue with Sweden despite differences
MOSCOW. Feb 4 (Interfax) - The relationship between Russia and Sweden is not currently at its best, but Moscow stands ready to resume cooperation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"Our relations are not in their best shape, nothing to hide there, and differences on a number of matters persist, but dialogue should be continued, and we stand ready to cooperate to the extent you are ready for this," Lavrov said, opening negotiations with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde.
The Swedish prime minister's visit to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2019 provided an impetus to resume dialogue between the two countries, he said.
Additionally, contacts between the heads of various Russian and Swedish agencies have been resumed, Lavrov said.
Lavrov said he expects to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations during the negotiations, "as well as international and regional problems, primarily everything that concerns security in Europe and in the Baltic Sea area."