MOSCOW, November 6. /TASS/. Russia is ready for dialogue on climate issues with the new US administration and hopes for a pragmatic approach, Presidential Aide and Special Representative for Climate Issues Ruslan Edelgeriev told TASS.
"Yes, undoubtedly, we hope that there will be pragmatic individuals in the new administration concerned with global issues, particularly climate change," he said on the sidelines of the 21st meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. "No matter how different we are, there is one planet and one climate, whether we like each other or not. There must be dialogue; it’s a fundamental," he added.
According to Edelgeriev, climate issues should be discussed, despite the current US administration prohibiting any dialogue with Russia. "The US delegation openly told us that they are not allowed to interact with us. In other words, experts believe that dialogue is necessary, while the US government forbids it," he noted. The official emphasized the importance of dialogue to compare points of view.
In response to a question about whether Russia is ready for interaction with the US during the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, the special representative reaffirmed Russia’s readiness for dialogue with all sides. "Of course, we are ready to talk. It’s not just about the Americans. We are ready to talk with everyone. It’s just that the dialogue must be fair," he added.