US-Russia meeting in Reykjavik

Brussels 13.05.2021 Russian Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the timeline of bilateral Russia-US contacts by phone Wednesday, May 12, including the proposed highest-level Russia-US Summit, and agreed to hold a separate meeting during the Arctic Council ministerial session in Reykjavik.

💬 #Zakharova: On May 19-20, Sergey #Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation at the Arctic Council ministerial meeting in 🇮🇸 Iceland. The Ministers will discuss the strengthening of cooperation and the coordination of efforts for the region’s stable development #Arctic pic.twitter.com/NpXcQ0lxjU

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) May 13, 2021

“The sides discussed the timeline of other Russian-US contacts for the upcoming period, including Washington’s proposal on the organization of the Russia-US summit,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in its statement.

Iceland's Fagradalshraun volcano lies quiet for a spell before suddenly spewing red molten lava geysers high into the air, visible from the capital Reykjavik in an awe-inspiring display.
The volcano sprang into life in mid-March in the Geldingadalir valleyhttps://t.co/0v8Oxe6QV0 pic.twitter.com/sLp9JQz5jq

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 9, 2021

The sides also touched upon the interaction between the two countries in the Arctic Council – in particular, in regards to the upcoming Russian presidency in the organisation, which will begin on May 20.

6 Indigenous Peoples' organizations have Permanent Participant status in the Council.

They represent #Indigenous Peoples from across the #Arctic & play a vital role in our work. They sit at the same table as Ministers & have full consultation rights in negotiations & decisions. pic.twitter.com/slvmGJ2Ak4

— Arctic Council (@ArcticCouncil) May 13, 2021

“Lavrov and Blinken agreed to hold a separate meeting on the sidelines of the [May 20] session to review key issues of bilateral relations and the international agenda,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Spoke with Foreign Minister Lavrov today in preparation for the upcoming @ArcticCouncil Ministerial and to preview our DPRK policy. As we continue to engage with Russia to advance U.S. interests, we remain clear-eyed about the challenges Russia poses.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 12, 2021