Key Facts
• On July 10, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Malaysia.
• The meeting occurred during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
• The discussion lasted approximately 50 minutes, with no comments made to the press initially.
• Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that topics included Ukraine, Iran, and Syria.
• Both sides agreed to continue constructive dialogue on international issues.
• Rubio emphasized disappointment from President Trump over Russia’s inflexibility on Ukraine.
• Rubio called for a roadmap to end the conflict in Ukraine.
• This was Rubio’s first visit to Asia since taking office.
• Rubio and Lavrov previously met in February in Saudi Arabia and held phone talks in May and June.
Summary
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov held a 50-minute meeting on July 10 in Malaysia during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Discussions covered Ukraine, Iran, and Syria, with both sides agreeing to continue constructive dialogue. Rubio reiterated President Trump’s disappointment over Russia’s stance on Ukraine and stressed the need for a roadmap to resolve the conflict. This meeting marked Rubio’s first official visit to Asia and followed prior engagements between the two officials earlier this year.
