Talks aimed at mending ties between 2 countries, addressing conflict in Ukraine
Talks between Russia and the US, aimed at mending relations between the two nations and addressing the conflict in Ukraine, began in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Tuesday, according to Russian media.
Ahead of the main round of talks, representatives of the two countries had informal contacts, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a member of the Russian delegation told reporters.
According to his estimates, American businesses lost more than $300 billion by leaving the Russian market.
"Finding joint economic ways and positive solutions to issues is extremely important mainly for the US and for many other countries, which are beginning to understand that the Russian market is extremely attractive and it is necessary to be present," he said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that the meeting will focus on the Russia-US bilateral relations, preparations for negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement, and a potential meeting between the presidents of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Saudi Arabia was chosen as the venue because it is acceptable to both sides, Peskov said, adding that discussions on European participation in the Ukrainian settlement talks remain premature.
