A Russian government official, Alexander Alimov, has stated that Moscow will not abandon its allies while resuming talks with the United States.
Alimov is the Director of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Ties.
He said national interests are the top priority in Russia’s foreign policy, noting that the country engages with foreign governments to foster deeper relations.
“People are now expecting us to shove everyone else aside and jump into the arms of the Americans,” Alimov told TASS.
The official labelled such a disposition “the wrong approach,” adding that the United States isn’t the only nation Russia is dealing with.
“We shouldn’t ignore our other partners and those who are ready to cooperate with us for the sake of the Americans,” he added.
Alimov, however, recognised the “willingness” of the current U.S. administration to mend sore relations with Russia, calling it “labourious work.”
Alimov added that Moscow was operating with “cautious optimism,” saying time will reveal the position of partners and non-partners regarding Russia’s terms.