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Moscow does not know what agenda Kerry brings to Russia — foreign ministry

John Kerry is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday
John Kerry seen in a car during his previous visit to Moscow Mikhail Japaridze/TASS
John Kerry seen in a car during his previous visit to Moscow
© Mikhail Japaridze/TASS

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Moscow does not know yet what agenda US State Secretary John Kerry will bring to Russia, but this will be clear later today, Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.

Zakharova said this question should be addressed to the United States. "I want to remind you that John Kerry comes at the request of the US side, of his own accord, probably coordinated with the leadership of that country," the diplomat added.

"We will find out later today what Mr Kerry will bring and what Washington has prepared for Russia. Tomorrow talks [between the Russian foreign minister and the US state secretary] will be held at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Today, as it was already mentioned by representatives of the presidential administration, he will meet with the Russian president," she added.

The foreign ministers of Russia and US maintain regular contacts, over the phone and in person, the diplomat said adding that experts of the two countries also maintain dialogue, including on the Syrian problem. "In general, we are always open for exchanging ideas or proposals. We have never left and were ready to consider them on a daily basis, we are maintaining contacts," she noted.

"Mr Kerry knows that Russia is a hospitable country. We always create the working atmosphere, in which constructive talks can be held," Zakharova said. "We never refuse to have contacts, even against the backdrop that is not improving, unfortunately. One might get an impression that someone is trying to neutralize all positive and constructive steps in Washington every time. We will note this and try to make relations more constructive and positive," she concluded.