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Russia, France top diplomats to discuss cooperation on Syria, Libya, Ukraine

MOSCOW, September 7. /TASS/. The foreign ministers of Russia and France, Sergey Lavrov and Jean-Yves Le Drian will met in Moscow on September 8 to discuss cooperation of the two countries on Syria, Libya and Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

It said the two senior diplomats "will touch upon topical international issues, focusing on discussion of possibilities for cooperation of the two counties regarding the situation in Syria, Libya and Ukraine," the ministry said.

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"France has always been and remains a major partner of Russia. Our countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and in this capacity they have special responsibility for international peace and stability," the ministry said.

"Joint efforts of the two states can sizably reduce tensions in European affairs as well as speaking more globally, not to speak of numerous regional crises, in the settlement of which Russia and France are involved this way or another," the ministry reported.

The Foreign Minister reiterated French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to create a permanent venue for bilateral cooperation of the civil societies - the Trianon Dialogue Russian-French forum. "During the upcoming talks, the ministers will continue work on that project," it said.

The ministry also noted "progress in the development of trade relations of the two states" that has been seen of late. In 2016, Russian-French trade grew 14.1%, to $13.3 billion year-on-year, it said. "The growth continues into 2017, making up 21.8% in the first quarter, to attain $5.9 billion," the ministry added.

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French, US, British nukes all interwoven — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova described France’s decision to place its aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, directly under NATO control as a symbolic move marking the end of "the era of an independent Paris in the international arena"

Putin points to high risk of new epidemic outbreaks

The Russian president pointed out that Moscow’s "program of assistance to the African countries in sanitary and epidemiological well-being provides for the delivery of ten mobile high-containment biological laboratories"

Iran threatens to attack Israel's "nuclear centers" in case of aggression on its part

Ahmad Haqtalab argued that Israel had been conducting "subversive and terrorist activities" against the Islamic republic's nuclear infrastructure for year

G7 foreign ministers set to call on all sides to exercise restraint in Middle East

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israel will "most likely" respond to the recent Iranian attack

Kiev continues to openly announce terrorist attacks on Russia — diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed to the fact that Ukraine's special services do not give up attempts to "massacre their former compatriots"

Algeria pledges to return to Palestinian membership issue — envoy

"The overwhelming support for Palestine’s membership makes it crystal clear that the State of Palestine is worthy of its rightful place among member states of the United Nations," Amar Bendjama said

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French president says creating Israeli-type air defense network for Ukraine impossible

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Kazem Jalali noted that Iran had demonstrated its ability to ensure security and nudge the region toward a de-escalation

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Dmitry Polyansky said "this shameful neocolonial tactics are fully exposed now in the context of Gaza War"

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US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

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Russia expects Armenia to clarify 'military, political accords' with US, EU — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow would not be surprised if it turned out that the US and the EU had imposed their plans on Yerevan

EU border checkpoint closest to Russia’s St. Petersburg to cut its working hours

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US deploying missiles in Philippines to endanger global security — Russian envoy

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