Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow and New Delhi held detailed discussions on defence manufacturing, fertiliser cooperation and space partnership during his visit to India for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, while also criticising what he described as 'Western interference in the domestic affairs of several countries. Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Friday, Lavrov said he had “detailed discussions” with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and also held an extended meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership.&nbsp;“During the talks with the Foreign Minister of India, His Excellency S Jaishankar, and during a lengthy reception and conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, we discussed the key areas of our privileged strategic partnership,” Lavrov said. He added that the discussions were guided by agreements reached during meetings between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Modi, including the India-Russia summit held in New Delhi last December.Lavrov confirmed that the two sides discussed fertiliser cooperation, joint production of weapons and collaboration in the space sector.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/east-london-ex-imam-jailed-for-life-after-21-convictions-for-rape-and-sexual-abuse-of-female-worshippers-1778831741429">East London ex-Imam jailed for life after 21 convictions for rape and sexual abuse of female worshippers</a>&nbsp;"We also discussed the ways to improve the mechanisms of cooperation and to strengthen this cooperation further in trade and economy and in investment in such a way that we don't depend on the negative, unfriendly pressure from third countries," he added.&nbsp;“Our Indian counterparts always receive a positive answer to their requests for supplying more energy,” he said, adding: “It is no secret that Russian oil supplies to India have increased.”&nbsp;<h3>Comments on West Asia and Western interference</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3>The Russian foreign minister also spoke extensively about tensions across West Asia and North Africa, referring to conflicts involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Libya, the Palestinian territories, Yemen and Syria. Lavrov described the region as a ‘yarnball of contradiction’ that was becoming increasingly difficult and unstable.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-basketball-blue-jeans-and-chinese-restaurants-trump-hails-deep-us-china-ties-at-xi-banquet-1778757462999">‘Basketball, blue jeans and Chinese restaurants’: Trump hails deep US-China ties at Xi banquet</a>&nbsp;“Every flashpoint mentioned is the result of the flagrant interference of Western countries in the domestic affairs of a country,” he said. Lavrov claimed such interference included “the coup d'etats that we have been observing for the last 15 years, starting with the so-called Arab Spring”. He also stated that Russia ‘extends solidarity with Cuba’.&nbsp;<h3>India’s diplomatic role and global concerns</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3>Lavrov said India’s presidency of the BRICS meeting would issue a joint statement later in the day. He also suggested that India could potentially play a mediating role in tensions involving Iran and the United States, citing New Delhi’s “vast diplomatic experience and international standing”.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi, who met Lavrov on Thursday, reiterated India’s support for ‘peaceful resolution of conflicts’ during discussions on Ukraine and West Asia. The Prime Minister’s Office said both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation since the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and exchanged views on pressing geopolitical developments.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Friday, Lavrov said he had “detailed discussions” with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and also held an extended meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow and New Delhi held detailed discussions on defence manufacturing, fertiliser cooperation and space partnership during his visit to India for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, while also criticising what he described as 'Western interference in the domestic affairs of several countries. Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Friday, Lavrov said he had “detailed discussions” with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and also held an extended meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership. “During the talks with the Foreign Minister of India, His Excellency S Jaishankar, and during a lengthy reception and conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, we discussed the key areas of our privileged strategic partnership,” Lavrov said. He added that the discussions were guided by agreements reached during meetings between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Modi, including the India-Russia summit held in New Delhi last December. Lavrov confirmed that the two sides discussed fertiliser cooperation, joint production of weapons and collaboration in the space sector. ALSO READ: East London ex-Imam jailed for life after 21 convictions for rape and sexual abuse of female worshippers "We also discussed the ways to improve the mechanisms of cooperation and to strengthen this cooperation further in trade and economy and in investment in such a way that we don't depend on the negative, unfriendly pressure from third countries," he added. “Our Indian counterparts always receive a positive answer to their requests for supplying more energy,” he said, adding: “It is no secret that Russian oil supplies to India have increased.” Comments on West Asia and Western interference The Russian foreign minister also spoke extensively about tensions across West Asia and North Africa, referring to conflicts involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Libya, the Palestinian territories, Yemen and Syria. Lavrov described the region as a ‘yarnball of contradiction’ that was becoming increasingly difficult and unstable. ALSO READ: ‘Basketball, blue jeans and Chinese restaurants’: Trump hails deep US-China ties at Xi banquet “Every flashpoint mentioned is the result of the flagrant interference of Western countries in the domestic affairs of a country,” he said. Lavrov claimed such interference included “the coup d'etats that we have been observing for the last 15 years, starting with the so-called Arab Spring”. He also stated that Russia ‘extends solidarity with Cuba’. India’s diplomatic role and global concerns Lavrov said India’s presidency of the BRICS meeting would issue a joint statement later in the day. He also suggested that India could potentially play a mediating role in tensions involving Iran and the United States, citing New Delhi’s “vast diplomatic experience and international standing”. Prime Minister Modi, who met Lavrov on Thursday, reiterated India’s support for ‘peaceful resolution of conflicts’ during discussions on Ukraine and West Asia. The Prime Minister’s Office said both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation since the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and exchanged views on pressing geopolitical developments.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Friday, Lavrov said he had “detailed discussions” with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and also held an extended meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership.

Russian FM Lavrov says India-Russia discussions focused on defence, space, says 'western interference' fuelled global conflicts

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov described Russia's relationship with India as a privileged strategic partnership and lauded the latter’s responsible stand on key global agendas. Lavrov accused the West of trying to divide geopolitical picture. His remarks came in the backdrop of the West increasing sanctions against Russia as the war in Ukraine entered its second year in February.

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Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit India, a visit that comes amid global geopolitical turmoil amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The visit will be the first such high-level visit from Russia to India since February 24 when the invasion started. On the agenda will be many things, including trading under rupee- ruble mechanism that the Indian finance ministry is looking into amid western sanctions on Moscow.

The invasion has changed the global geopolitical calculus as the West and Russia are locked in horns. New Delhi has been engaged by both sides on the situation even as it has been able to display its strategic autonomy.

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At the United Nations, India has abstained from votes on Ukraine-Russia resolutions, whether its West-backed resolutions or more recently Russia-backed resolution on Ukraine even as it has been calling for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. EAM Jaishankar in the Parliament said, "We have expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities."

Both Indian and Russian foreign ministers had spoken to each other on February 24 and since then there has been Russian outreach to Delhi in many ways, including Russian FM Lavrov meeting envoys of BRICS countries including Indian envoy Pavan Kapoor.&nbsp;

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Last week, Russian Deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko had met the Indian envoy to Russia Kapoor to brief on the situation in Ukraine. Important to note, Rudenko has been part of the Russian delegation that held talks with the Ukraine side.

Later this year PM Modi is expected to travel to Russia for the annual India Russia summit. Russian President Putin had travelled to Delhi on 6th&nbsp;December of the annual summit. The second, 2+2 foreign and defense ministers meet will also take place in Russia this year for which Indian external affairs minister and defense ministers will be travelling to the country.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign minister's expected travel comes even as India and US will be holding 2+2 foreign and defense ministers meet in the second week of April.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit India, a visit that comes amid global geopolitical turmoil amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The visit will be the first such high-level visit from Russia to India since February 24 when the invasion started.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit India, a visit that comes amid global geopolitical turmoil amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The visit will be the first such high-level visit from Russia to India since February 24 when the invasion started. On the agenda will be many things, including trading under rupee- ruble mechanism that the Indian finance ministry is looking into amid western sanctions on Moscow. The invasion has changed the global geopolitical calculus as the West and Russia are locked in horns. New Delhi has been engaged by both sides on the situation even as it has been able to display its strategic autonomy. At the United Nations, India has abstained from votes on Ukraine-Russia resolutions, whether its West-backed resolutions or more recently Russia-backed resolution on Ukraine even as it has been calling for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. EAM Jaishankar in the Parliament said, "We have expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities." Both Indian and Russian foreign ministers had spoken to each other on February 24 and since then there has been Russian outreach to Delhi in many ways, including Russian FM Lavrov meeting envoys of BRICS countries including Indian envoy Pavan Kapoor. Also read | Is India leaning toward continued import of Russian coking coal? Last week, Russian Deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko had met the Indian envoy to Russia Kapoor to brief on the situation in Ukraine. Important to note, Rudenko has been part of the Russian delegation that held talks with the Ukraine side. Later this year PM Modi is expected to travel to Russia for the annual India Russia summit. Russian President Putin had travelled to Delhi on 6th December of the annual summit. The second, 2+2 foreign and defense ministers meet will also take place in Russia this year for which Indian external affairs minister and defense ministers will be travelling to the country. The Russian foreign minister's expected travel comes even as India and US will be holding 2+2 foreign and defense ministers meet in the second week of April.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expected to visit India

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, has accused the international community of "hysteria" over Ukraine, comparing the United States to Nazi Germany and stating that "Americans have had Europe under their grip."&nbsp;

He said that the Americans are telling the Germans what is good for European energy security, and they're telling them they don't need that pipeline (Nordstream 2) and that supplies from the United States, which are many times more expensive, will suffice.&nbsp;

"They're trying to impose their own view of the future of Europe on us.&nbsp;

"Napoleon and Hitler had the objective of having the whole of Europe under their control; now the Americans have got Europe under control. 
 
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"And we see that this situation has really demonstrated what role the EU is playing &nbsp;in the global situation."

Lavrov went on to explain that there is "an absolute evil and an absolute good" in movies, and that the global picture is comparable.

He goes on to say that he expects the "hysteria" will come to an end.&nbsp; 
 
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(With inputs from agencies)

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, has accused the international community of "hysteria" over Ukraine, comparing the United States to Nazi Germany and stating that "Americans have had Europe under their grip.

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, has accused the international community of "hysteria" over Ukraine, comparing the United States to Nazi Germany and stating that "Americans have had Europe under their grip." He said that the Americans are telling the Germans what is good for European energy security, and they're telling them they don't need that pipeline (Nordstream 2) and that supplies from the United States, which are many times more expensive, will suffice. "They're trying to impose their own view of the future of Europe on us. "Napoleon and Hitler had the objective of having the whole of Europe under their control; now the Americans have got Europe under control. Also Read: Watch: Russian soldier surrenders to Ukrainians, gets pastries, drinks "And we see that this situation has really demonstrated what role the EU is playing in the global situation." Lavrov went on to explain that there is "an absolute evil and an absolute good" in movies, and that the global picture is comparable. He goes on to say that he expects the "hysteria" will come to an end. Also Read: 'Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities' (With inputs from agencies)

Russian foreign minister Lavrov compares US to Napoleon and Hitler

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that international recognition of the Taliban was not currently under consideration.

Lavrov was speaking on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders in New York for the UN General Assembly. His remarks follow the Taliban's nomination of a U.N. envoy, setting up a showdown over Afghanistan's seat in the world body.

"The question of international recognition of the Taliban at the present juncture is not on the table," Lavrov told a news conference.

Suhail Shaheen, the Islamist group's Doha-based spokesman, was nominated as Afghanistan's United Nations ambassador on Monday by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last month.

Ghulam Isaczai, the current UN ambassador who represents the Afghan government ousted by the Taliban, has also asked to renew his UN accreditation.

Russia is a member of a nine-member UN credentials committee - along with China and the United States - which will deal with the competing claims on Afghanistan's UN&nbsp;seat later this year.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the Taliban`s desire for international recognition is the only leverage other countries have to press for inclusive government and respect for rights, particularly for women, in Afghanistan.

When the Taliban last ruled between 1996 and 2001, the ambassador of the Afghan government they toppled remained the U.N. representative after the credentials committee deferred its decision on rival claims to the seat.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that international recognition of the Taliban was not currently under consideration. Lavrov was speaking on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders in New York for the UN General Assembly.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that international recognition of the Taliban was not currently under consideration. Lavrov was speaking on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders in New York for the UN General Assembly. His remarks follow the Taliban's nomination of a U.N. envoy, setting up a showdown over Afghanistan's seat in the world body. "The question of international recognition of the Taliban at the present juncture is not on the table," Lavrov told a news conference. Suhail Shaheen, the Islamist group's Doha-based spokesman, was nominated as Afghanistan's United Nations ambassador on Monday by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last month. Ghulam Isaczai, the current UN ambassador who represents the Afghan government ousted by the Taliban, has also asked to renew his UN accreditation. Russia is a member of a nine-member UN credentials committee - along with China and the United States - which will deal with the competing claims on Afghanistan's UN seat later this year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the Taliban`s desire for international recognition is the only leverage other countries have to press for inclusive government and respect for rights, particularly for women, in Afghanistan. When the Taliban last ruled between 1996 and 2001, the ambassador of the Afghan government they toppled remained the U.N. representative after the credentials committee deferred its decision on rival claims to the seat.

Taliban recognition 'not on the table', says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday -- with an aim to prepare ground for the annual New Delhi-Moscow summit as well as to discuss bilateral cooperation.

The visit was announced by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in Moscow on April 1.

On April 5 and 6, Lavrov will visit New Delhi to hold talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Zakharova said.

The Russian foreign ministry tweeted that Lavrov would visit Pakistan on April 6 to 7 during which he will hold talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"The Ministers will discuss bilateral ties, including economic cooperation and counterterrorism #RussiaPakistan," it said.

The India and Russia annual summit was postponed last year because of the Covid pandemic.

According to a statement by the Russian embassy in India, "the heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS."

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"A special and privileged strategic partnership with India is one of Russia`s foreign policy priorities," the statement read.&nbsp;

The two sides are developing an active political dialogue, trade and economic, as well as military and technical ties, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian contacts, it said.

"A considerable experience of fruitful cooperation in a wide range of areas has been accumulated. The interest of the Indian business in the Far East and other regions of Russia is growing," the statement added.&nbsp;

The official release also stated that the Russian foreign minister is also set to implement the outcomes of the 20th Russian-Indian summit held in September last year, in Vladivostok.&nbsp;

Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy. Both the countries have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. Twenty annual summit meetings have, so far, taken place alternately in India and Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday -- with an aim to prepare ground for the annual New Delhi-Moscow summit as well as to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday -- with an aim to prepare ground for the annual New Delhi-Moscow summit as well as to discuss bilateral cooperation. The visit was announced by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in Moscow on April 1. On April 5 and 6, Lavrov will visit New Delhi to hold talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Zakharova said. The Russian foreign ministry tweeted that Lavrov would visit Pakistan on April 6 to 7 during which he will hold talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. "The Ministers will discuss bilateral ties, including economic cooperation and counterterrorism #RussiaPakistan," it said. The India and Russia annual summit was postponed last year because of the Covid pandemic. According to a statement by the Russian embassy in India, "the heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS." Also read | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week "A special and privileged strategic partnership with India is one of Russia`s foreign policy priorities," the statement read. The two sides are developing an active political dialogue, trade and economic, as well as military and technical ties, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian contacts, it said. "A considerable experience of fruitful cooperation in a wide range of areas has been accumulated. The interest of the Indian business in the Far East and other regions of Russia is growing," the statement added. The official release also stated that the Russian foreign minister is also set to implement the outcomes of the 20th Russian-Indian summit held in September last year, in Vladivostok. Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy. Both the countries have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. Twenty annual summit meetings have, so far, taken place alternately in India and Russia.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov to arrive in India on Monday

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year.

Sources&nbsp;told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7.

Earlier this year, India's foreign&nbsp;secretary Harsh Shringla was on a visit to Moscow, during which he extended an invitation for the Russian foreign minister to visit India.

Afghan peace talks will be a key priority with Russian special envoy to Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov to accompany FM Lavrov during Delhi visit. Remember Russia in March hosted the troika plus--Russia, US, China &amp; Pakistan talks on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During Shringla's Moscow visit, a roadmap was decided on the high level visits and engagements.

This year will also see the visit&nbsp;of Indian Army and Navy chiefs to Moscow.

The big focus will be the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual India-Russia summit. The summit could not happen last year due to the Covid-19&nbsp;pandemic.

Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup had visited Moscow for consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on UN Security Council issues.&nbsp;

April could also see the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov for inter inter-governmental commission meeting.

During Lavorv's visit, focus areas will include cooperation during the Covid crisis. The approval for Russia's Covid vaccine Sputnik V&nbsp;is expected to be taken up by Indian regulatory authorities soon. India's BRICS chairmanship for this year will also be in focus. India, as the chair of BRICS, will be inviting the member countries for a summit towards the later half of the year.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year. Sources told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year. Sources told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7. Earlier this year, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla was on a visit to Moscow, during which he extended an invitation for the Russian foreign minister to visit India. Afghan peace talks will be a key priority with Russian special envoy to Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov to accompany FM Lavrov during Delhi visit. Remember Russia in March hosted the troika plus--Russia, US, China & Pakistan talks on Afghanistan. During Shringla's Moscow visit, a roadmap was decided on the high level visits and engagements. This year will also see the visit of Indian Army and Navy chiefs to Moscow. The big focus will be the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual India-Russia summit. The summit could not happen last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup had visited Moscow for consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on UN Security Council issues. April could also see the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov for inter inter-governmental commission meeting. During Lavorv's visit, focus areas will include cooperation during the Covid crisis. The approval for Russia's Covid vaccine Sputnik V is expected to be taken up by Indian regulatory authorities soon. India's BRICS chairmanship for this year will also be in focus. India, as the chair of BRICS, will be inviting the member countries for a summit towards the later half of the year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week

The Vladimir Putin's administration has released a statement after 3 months of opposition leader Alexei Navalny's 'poisoning' case. Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Putin critic could have been poisoned during his flight to Germany or even after he reaches there.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday and has invited him to visit Russia.

"Come to Russia, we'll be very happy to see you," Lavrov told Kim in remarks released by the Russian foreign ministry.

Lavrov also passed on best wishes to Kim from President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, saying he wished him success in the "major undertakings that have been initiated on the Korean peninsula", the ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul.

It remains unclear whether Kim has accepted the invitation. Should he decide to go, it will represent the first visit by a North Korean leader to Russia since his father Kim Jong Il visited Russia in August 2011.

As per reports, Russia is particularly interested in projects involving the construction of gas pipelines and railways connecting the two Koreas to Russia.&nbsp

Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang, which was announced on Wednesday, comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to organise a landmark summit between Donald Trump and Kim, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also meeting Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol in New York late Wednesday.

Last month North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho held rare talks with Lavrov in Moscow as Pyongyang moves to improve strained ties with global powers.

Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday and has invited him to visit Russia. "Come to Russia, we'll be very happy to see you," Lavrov told Kim in remarks released by the Russian foreign ministry. Lavrov also passed on best wishes to Kim from President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, saying he wished him success in the "major undertakings that have been initiated on the Korean peninsula", the ministry said in a statement. Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul. It remains unclear whether Kim has accepted the invitation. Should he decide to go, it will represent the first visit by a North Korean leader to Russia since his father Kim Jong Il visited Russia in August 2011. As per reports, Russia is particularly interested in projects involving the construction of gas pipelines and railways connecting the two Koreas to Russia. Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang, which was announced on Wednesday, comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to organise a landmark summit between Donald Trump and Kim, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also meeting Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol in New York late Wednesday. Last month North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho held rare talks with Lavrov in Moscow as Pyongyang moves to improve strained ties with global powers.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov invites Kim Jong-Un to Russia

Embattled US President Donald Trump faced explosive allegations that he divulged top secret intelligence to Russian diplomats in the Oval Office, a charge the White House scrambled to rebut Monday.

The Washington Post reported that Trump revealed highly classified information on the Islamic State group during a meeting last week with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Moscow&#39;s man in Washington Sergey Kislyak.

In a shock twist, the intelligence reportedly came from a US ally who did not authorize Washington to share it with Moscow. That development could shatter trust that is essential to intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation.

National Security Advisor HR McMaster denied the president had revealed &quot;intelligence sources or methods,&quot; but acknowledged that Trump and Lavrov &quot;reviewed a range of common threats to our two countries, including threats to civil aviation.&quot;

The Post, citing unnamed officials, said that Trump went off script during the meeting, describing details about an Islamic State terror threat related to the use of laptop computers on airplanes, revealing the city where the information was gathered.

The Trump administration recently barred the use of laptops in the passenger cabin from several countries in the Middle East and is mulling the expansion of that ban to cover jets originating in Europe.

&quot;There&#39;s nothing that the president takes more seriously than the security of the American people. The story that came out tonight as reported is false,&quot; McMaster said without elaborating on which elements were wrong.

&quot;Two other senior officials who were present, including the secretary of state, remember the meeting the same way and have said so. Their on-the-record accounts should outweigh those of anonymous sources. I was in the room. It didn&#39;t happen.&quot;

McMaster earlier refused to answer questions to a group of journalists gathered in the West Wing, saying &quot;this is the last place I wanted to be&quot; before leaving.

The revelations are the latest in a wave of crises to hit the White House, which late Monday was in a state of shock, with aides frantically trying to put out the fire and determine the source of such damaging leaks.

Since coming to office in January, Trump has lurched from crisis to crisis, lampooning the intelligence services, law enforcement and the media along the way.

Last week, Trump threw his administration into turmoil by taking the virtually unprecedented step of firing his FBI director James Comey.

Comey had been overseeing investigations into possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia to skew the 2016 election.

The meeting came a day after that firing, and was already controversial in itself, a red carpet welcome for top aides of Vladimir Putin just months after being hit with US sanctions for meddling in the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;

Trump&#39;s administration was left red-faced after Moscow surprised them by releasing pictures of what was meant to be a closed-door meeting.

Ryan wants &#39;full explanation&#39; 
For Trump&#39;s already weary allies in Congress, the latest crisis brought more headaches and demanded yet more explanation from an administration that is struggling to leave its legislative mark.

&quot;We have no way to know what was said, but protecting our nation&#39;s secrets is paramount,&quot; said Doug Andres, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan.&nbsp;

&quot;The speaker hopes for a full explanation of the facts from the administration.&quot;

Senior Republican Senator John McCain told CNN that &quot;if it&#39;s true, it&#39;s obviously disturbing.&quot; But he cautioned: &quot;Let&#39;s wait and see what this was all about first.&quot;

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer accused Trump of potentially putting American lives at risk.

&quot;If the report is true, it is very disturbing. Revealing classified information at this level is extremely dangerous and puts at risk the lives of Americans and those who gather intelligence for our country,&quot; he said.

&quot;The president owes the intelligence community, the American people and Congress a full explanation.&quot;&nbsp;

(AFP)

The Post said Trump shared information about Islamic State with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russia's ambassador to Washington Sergey Kislyak

Embattled US President Donald Trump faced explosive allegations that he divulged top secret intelligence to Russian diplomats in the Oval Office, a charge the White House scrambled to rebut Monday. The Washington Post reported that Trump revealed highly classified information on the Islamic State group during a meeting last week with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Moscow's man in Washington Sergey Kislyak. In a shock twist, the intelligence reportedly came from a US ally who did not authorize Washington to share it with Moscow. That development could shatter trust that is essential to intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation. National Security Advisor HR McMaster denied the president had revealed "intelligence sources or methods," but acknowledged that Trump and Lavrov "reviewed a range of common threats to our two countries, including threats to civil aviation." The Post, citing unnamed officials, said that Trump went off script during the meeting, describing details about an Islamic State terror threat related to the use of laptop computers on airplanes, revealing the city where the information was gathered. The Trump administration recently barred the use of laptops in the passenger cabin from several countries in the Middle East and is mulling the expansion of that ban to cover jets originating in Europe. "There's nothing that the president takes more seriously than the security of the American people. The story that came out tonight as reported is false," McMaster said without elaborating on which elements were wrong. "Two other senior officials who were present, including the secretary of state, remember the meeting the same way and have said so. Their on-the-record accounts should outweigh those of anonymous sources. I was in the room. It didn't happen." McMaster earlier refused to answer questions to a group of journalists gathered in the West Wing, saying "this is the last place I wanted to be" before leaving. The revelations are the latest in a wave of crises to hit the White House, which late Monday was in a state of shock, with aides frantically trying to put out the fire and determine the source of such damaging leaks. Since coming to office in January, Trump has lurched from crisis to crisis, lampooning the intelligence services, law enforcement and the media along the way. Last week, Trump threw his administration into turmoil by taking the virtually unprecedented step of firing his FBI director James Comey. Comey had been overseeing investigations into possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia to skew the 2016 election. The meeting came a day after that firing, and was already controversial in itself, a red carpet welcome for top aides of Vladimir Putin just months after being hit with US sanctions for meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Trump's administration was left red-faced after Moscow surprised them by releasing pictures of what was meant to be a closed-door meeting. Ryan wants 'full explanation' For Trump's already weary allies in Congress, the latest crisis brought more headaches and demanded yet more explanation from an administration that is struggling to leave its legislative mark. "We have no way to know what was said, but protecting our nation's secrets is paramount," said Doug Andres, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. "The speaker hopes for a full explanation of the facts from the administration." Senior Republican Senator John McCain told CNN that "if it's true, it's obviously disturbing." But he cautioned: "Let's wait and see what this was all about first." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer accused Trump of potentially putting American lives at risk. "If the report is true, it is very disturbing. Revealing classified information at this level is extremely dangerous and puts at risk the lives of Americans and those who gather intelligence for our country," he said. "The president owes the intelligence community, the American people and Congress a full explanation." (AFP)

Trump revealed highly-classified information to Russian diplomats in White House: Washington Post

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday a Marshall plan was needed for Syria, similar to a Western agreement to help post-war Germany.

Speaking after talks with his Syrian and Iranian counterparts in Moscow, Lavrov said unlawful sanctions against Syria would harm its civilian population and there was no alternative to a political solution to the country&#39;s civil war.

(Reuters)

The Marshall Plan was an American initiative to aid Western Europe in which the US gave $12 billion in economic support after World War II

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday a Marshall plan was needed for Syria, similar to a Western agreement to help post-war Germany. Speaking after talks with his Syrian and Iranian counterparts in Moscow, Lavrov said unlawful sanctions against Syria would harm its civilian population and there was no alternative to a political solution to the country's civil war. (Reuters)

Marshall plan needed for Syria: Russia's Lavrov

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