REYKJAVÍK: The US and Russian foreign ministers sought on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to ease tensions in their first meeting since President Joe Biden took office, saying they were ready to cooperate but issuing firm warnings reflecting the wide gulf between the rival powers. "But if Russia acts aggressively against us, our partners, our allies, we will respond," Blinken said, reiterating that Washington wants a "predictable and stable" relationship with Moscow. "We are ready to discuss all issues without exception if we understand that discussions will be honest and based on mutual trust," Lavrov responded. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the Black Ridge Viewing site in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, May 20, 2021. The Russian warning inevitably drew a response from Blinken, who on Tuesday stressed that Washington wanted to "avoid a militarization" of the Arctic.

Source: Manila Times May 20, 2021 00:33 UTC