Russian Foreign Minister Calls Washington and Moscow Intelligence Heads Meeting in Turkey at President Biden's Request

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. (Wikimedia Commons/Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - The meeting between the Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Sergey Naryshkin and the Director of the United States Central Intelligence Service (CIA) William Burns, was held based on a proposal from US President Joe Biden addressed to President Vladimir Putin.

"Biden asked Putin about organizing a meeting between Naryshkin and Burns and the meeting took place," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at his annual press conference Wednesday, reported TASS January 18.

"Indeed, it was a serious and fruitful meeting, although it did not produce any breakthrough results," said Russia's top diplomat.

Foreign Minister Lavrov said Russia would take seriously any serious proposal put forward by the United States.

"The focus has to be on dialogue, serious dialogue and not just a casual gathering to blame someone for all the deadly sins. This has to be a serious and respectful talk because this is always beneficial. That's why the 'ball' is not with us," he added.

It is known that Russian and American intelligence bosses met in mid-November last year at the headquarters of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in Ankara, Turkey.

Turkey's presidential Communications Director, Fahrettin Altun said after the talks, top intelligence officials had discussed threats to international security, including those related to the possible use of nuclear weapons.