Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, Moscow, July 12, 2021

Mr Special Presidential Envoy,

Dear John,

Colleagues,

Your visit to Moscow comes at a very opportune time.

Russia attaches great importance to matters associated with global climate change. We will continue to cooperate on climate issues in international platforms, primarily with the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In accordance with the Paris Agreement, we will contribute to the search for collective solutions to issues that arise in this sphere based on national circumstances and socioeconomic development objectives. In this context, we look forward to close cooperation with the United States, especially in the negotiating process of the parties to the Framework Convention in order to ensure the success of the Glasgow conference this autumn.

The online Leaders Summit on Climate held on April 22 at the initiative of President Biden was a valuable contribution to this effort. Such initiatives bring our positions on the environmental track closer.

Here in Moscow, you will have busy talks with representatives of the President of Russia on climate change and sustainable development, as well as with the Government of the Russian Federation.

Your visit is an important and positive signal from the point of view of promoting bilateral relations, removing tensions and establishing professional substantive activities in areas where we can find common ground. This approach is fully consistent with the spirit of the Geneva summit between our presidents. We stand ready to promote it in every way based on an equal and mutually beneficial dialogue aimed at achieving a balance of interests.

Welcome.