Relations between Russia and the European Union (EU) are challenged by "a lack of normalcy," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday, according to a statement published by the foreign ministry.

"The key problem we face is a lack of normalcy in relations between Russia and the EU," Lavrov said at a press conference following his meeting with Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The minister noted that tense Russia-EU relations lead to an "unhealthy situation that does not benefit anyone."

Talking about the possibility of new sanctions over the case of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Lavrov pointed out that Russia has grown accustomed to the "unilateral restrictions" of the bloc, adding that the EU remains an "unreliable partner" at this stage.

According to the TASS news agency, Borrell expressed the view that the EU and Russia currently see each other as competitors rather than partners.

The EU official said that despite the fact that relations between Russia and the EU seem to be at a low point, in part due to Navalny's arrest, there should be "no wall of silence" and the dialogue must continue.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)