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The United States is going ahead with its talks with Russia later this week despite the strong exception Washington has taken to Moscow's decision to grant temporary asylum to whistleblower Edward Snowden.
On Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry, and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, would hold talks with their Russian counterparts at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.
"This revives the two-plus-two meeting format with Russia, last held in 2007. The group will discuss a number of pressing bilateral and global issues, including strategic stability, political and military cooperation and regional issues," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki, told reporters.
"Certainly Syria will be a part of the conversation and discussion on Friday, and we also expect they will continue to discuss issues of cooperation, including the ratification and implementation of the New START treaty, cooperation on the transit of personnel and material to and from Afghanistan, and working together to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons," she said.
This is the highest level of talks between the two countries after Russia snubbed the United States by granting temporary asylum to Edward Snowden, who is sought in the US on espionage charges.
The White House had expressed its disappointment over the Russian decision and had said this would have an impact on the bilateral relationships.
"We certainly have our share of disagreements with Russia over a number of issues, and I'm sure they will be part of the conversation as well. We would like to see Snowden returned to the United State," Psaki said.
