MOSCOW, November 9. /TASS/. The diesel deal could serve as a foundation for the gradual restoration of business ties between Moscow and Washington, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said in an interview with TASS.

He noted the importance of bearing in mind that, in this context, "the issue is not the lifting of unilateral illegitimate sanctions against Russia, but rather a temporary exemption from this anti-Russian regime, a short-term suspension of certain artificial barriers prompted by a situational need to gain access to global markets for specific Russian products that are in high demand at this stage."

"That said, the diesel deal demonstrates that even in a challenging environment, opportunities remain to carry out specific projects that could serve as a foundation for the gradual restoration of business and other ties between our countries," Pankin explained.

However, he warned against "harboring any illusions regarding the durability of the current situation, or building expectations about its long-term consequences." "Once the need passes, exemptions will cease," the official added.

Commenting on the reasons for support of the diesel deal by the Russian side, Pankin stressed that Moscow is "consistently ready for dialogue and open to cooperation, despite political disagreements."

"With this step, the country has once again demonstrated its reputation as a reliable and responsible supplier of energy resources," he concluded.

On October 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation, during which they discussed, among other things, the supply of petroleum products. The Russian leader stated that Moscow had confirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the American and global markets.