Slutsky hopes Tillerson plays role in gradual improvement of Russia-U.S. relations
MOSCOW. Feb 2 (Interfax) - The confirmation of Rex Tillerson as U.S. Secretary of States gives hope that Russia-U.S. relations will improve slowly but surely, State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Leonid Slutsky said.
"The new U.S. secretary of state is a pragmatic person, in a good way; he understands the hitherto unrealized potential of Russia-U.S. opportunities and the need to steer them in a positive direction," Slutsky told Interfax on Wednesday.
Hopefully, "these relations will take a positive turn slowly but surely, and Tillerson will play his role in that," the parliamentarian said.
"One, however, should be realistic and realize that the U.S. flywheel, which has been set in motion, is rather inert and it is not easy to rapidly stop it, moreover to reverse it; this is a very gradual and steady process," he said.
"Tillerson is a person we understand, but, although many consider him to be pro-Russian, given that he holds the Order of Friendship, he, like Trump, is also pro-American," Slutsky said in addition.
"Hence, we will be interacting, in particular, with the new Department of State team if the constructive attitude exhibited by the United States in the conversation between the Russian and U.S. president is put into life," he said.
"We very much hope so," Slutsky said.