Mr. Lavrov said the US is seeking to dismantle the system of weapons pacts and that Moscow is willing to continue trying to preserve the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The US’s unilateral actions have worsened the US-Russia conflicts, he said, adding that he hopes the US will be more responsible and professional in approaching negotiations with Russia. Lavrov repeated suggestions that Moscow would like to preserve the 2010 New START treaty governing US and Russian long-range nuclear arms, which is set to expire in 2021 but can be extended for five years by mutual agreement.

Concerning Russia-Japan relations, Lavrov said Moscow and Tokyo have much to do to become real partners. He addressed disagreements between the two countries, including the disputed islands which Russia calls the Southern Kuriles and Japan calls the Northern Territories.