Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday called for co-operation between Moscow and Washington during the first high-level talks between the two countries since Joe Biden became US president.
Meeting on the sidelines of the Arctic Council meeting in Iceland, Mr Blinken told Mr Lavrov that Washington sought co-operation with Russia but would respond to any aggression.
"If Russia acts aggressively against us, our partners, our allies, we will respond," he said.
"We seek a predictable, stable relationship with Russia. We think that's good for our people, good for the Russian people and indeed good for the world."
Mr Lavrov said Moscow was ready to discuss all issues with Washington but called for honesty and mutual trust.
Speaking through an interpreter, he said Russia and the United States have "serious differences" but have to cooperate "in spheres where our interests collide".
Senior US State Department officials said there were no breakthroughs in the meeting, but described it as a "good start" to work on relations between the two countries in "weeks, months and years to come".
"Our task is to determine how we will build relations further," he said.
Since taking over the White House in January, Mr Biden has taken a strong line against Russia, going as far as describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "killer" – in sharp contrast to his predecessor, Donald Trump, who was accused of complacency towards the Russian president.
But it seems the two sides are seeking to appease each other.
Mr Lavrov and Mr Blinken are expected to discuss Washington's proposal to organise a summit between the Russian and US leaders, possibly in June.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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