Lavrov, Bolton discuss strategic stability, Syria, Ukraine

Issues of strategic stability, the situation in Syria, in Ukraine and in Afghanistan, as well as aspects of the settlement on the Korean Peninsula were the focus of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s talks with visiting US National Security Adviser John Bolton, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"The sides exchanged views on topical international problems, including the situation around Syria and Afghanistan, the conditions in Ukraine and on the Korean Peninsula," the foreign ministry said. "They also discussed prospects for cooperation between our countries, including in the interests of finding solutions to regional conflicts, efficient fight against terrorism and maintaining strategic stability." The 90-minute meeting was held behind closed doors.

Earlier on Monday, Bolton held talks with Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev. Among other things, they discussed the situation around the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) in the light of US plans to withdraw from the deal.