VLADIMIR Putin has called for improved relations between the US and Russia as he welcomed Washington’s new ambassador to Moscow.
Jon Huntsman takes over from John Tefft, who left after serving in Russia for three years, a period marred by a deterioration of ties unseen since the Cold War.
The relationship has soured further in recent months following a series of expulsions of diplomats.
In his address to Huntsman at the Kremlin, Putin expressed hope for better ties with the US.
“The current level of the ties cannot satisfy us,” Putin said.
“We stand for constructive, predictable and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Putin also said both the US and Russia should not meddle in each other’s “domestic affairs”.
Huntsman, the former Utah governor who once called for Donald Trump to drop out of the presidential race, won easy confirmation as US ambassador last week.
He comes into office after the Russian foreign ministry ordered the US to cut its embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755 people, or by two-thirds, heightening tensions after the US Congress approved sanctions against Russia.
In response, the US suspended issuing non-immigrant visas in Moscow for a week in August and stopped issuing visas at its consulates elsewhere in Russia.
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