MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has stated that Russia and the US could jointly address strategic issues of nuclear deterrence and regulate major long-standing conflicts.

"Today there is a great number of problems in the world that could be tackled through joint efforts. It concerns both strategic issues of nuclear deterrence and, naturally, issues of the settlement of major long-standing conflicts," he said at negotiations with US National Security Advisor John Bolton.

The minister noted that the Russian and American military are supporting contacts in the most difficult areas. "It definitely concerns Syria, where we are constantly working and uphold our relations with the American colleagues through constant contacts," Shoigu explained.

He highlighted that it may serve as "the only positive example" of effective cooperation, which enables Russia and the US "to prevent serious incidents on Syrian territory and in the airspace above it." "We need a more active dialogue for all the rest," the defense minister noted. "I think that today we have a chance to discuss these issues."

On Monday, Bolton held negotiations with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He is due to meet with Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that a meeting between Bolton and Russian President Vladimir Putin is being also prepared.

Bolton’s visit has a special significance amid the US’ plans to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).

Russia-US ties

Sergei Shoigu has said that US National Security Adviser John Bolton’s visit to Russia will give a fresh impetus to the stabilization of relations between the two countries.

"I am glad to welcome you to the Russian Defense Ministry. You have a fairly intensive visit program. I hope it will give a fresh impetus to the stabilization of Russian-American relations," he said, opening talks with Bolton. 

Shoigu noted that "after a meeting between our presidents, one can state that dialogue between the two countries is gradually being restored." "I am certain that even small steps will benefit our relations and restore confidence," the minister stressed.

According to Shoigu, "today there are numerous problems in the world, which we could solve through joint efforts."

On Monday, Bolton held talks with Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Nikolai Patrushev and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. His meeting with Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov is planned as well. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said preparations for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and John Bolton were underway.

Bolton’s visit is of particular importance against the backdrop of Washington’s plans to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.