Russia, U.S. sign cooperation agreement September 8, 2012 - 08:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton met on Saturday, Sept 8 on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Russian Far East, RIA Novosti reported. The Russian seaport of Vladivostok hosts the APEC summit, whose official part is held on September 8-9. U.S. President Barack Obama was unable to attend the summit due to the ongoing presidential election campaign. To start the talks, Lavrov and Clinton signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the Antarctic region, a joint statement to strengthen bilateral interregional cooperation, as well as an agreement on cooperation in the Bering Strait. Lavrov praised the Antarctic memorandum, saying it means the two countries are “set for joint mutually beneficial work on the entire range of Antarctic issues.” Clinton noted constructive results of joint Russia-U.S. efforts in the past few years, including the New START treaty, increased trade and investment, Russia’s admission to the World Trade Organization. She also emphasized a visa facilitation agreement for business travel and tourism that will come into force on Sunday. Partner news  Top stories U.S. officials say they want to advance efforts to start talks between the Syrian government and opposition leaders. The international conference, backed by Russia and the U.S., aims to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Nuland, a career foreign service officer who was until recently State's top spokesperson, was expected to be nominated the post. Alkhatib said Assad should respond within 20 days and that he should then be given a month to dissolve parliament.   Partner news |  Latest news ANCA testimony to call for conditions on Turkey trade deal  ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian will testify this coming week before the U.S. International Trade Commission.U.S. says Syria conflict threatens Lebanon’s stability Syria has been locked in an increasingly bloody civil war since demonstrations broke out against the Assad regime in March 2011.Tizen-based Samsung smartphone images leaked online The images also reveal that Samsung has implemented S-Voice, S-Beam, and Wi-Fi Direct into the handset.France set to begin first major stage of Mali withdrawal However, some fighters retreated to hideouts in the mountains and desert, from where they have launched isolated attacks. |
