Russia says ready to resume parliamentary contacts with US

MOSCOW - Russia is willing to reestablish parliamentary contacts with the United States in order to promote bilateral relations of the two countries, the Russian Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, said Tuesday.

Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko met with US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman and the two sides discussed bilateral relations of the two countries, the Federation Council said in a statement.

"The resumption of dialogue at all levels, including through parliaments, is very important ... Russia is ready to resume parliamentary contacts at various levels," the statement said.

Matviyenko noted that further deterioration of Russia-US relations contradicts national interests of the two countries and creates threats to international stability and security.

It added that improving Russia-US relations is only possible if it is based on the principles of equality and respect of the interests of the two countries.

The idea of possible meetings of the respective delegations within the framework of international parliamentary forums with the participation of the two countries was discussed, according to the statement.