Moscow is open for an improvement of relations with Washington through pragmatic dialogue, Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Tuesday.

"There are no alternatives to changing the atmosphere of relations for the better, and especially their quality," Ryabkov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying at a round-table meeting in the State Duma, the lower house of parliament.

"Whatever happens, a pragmatic dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect for the real interests of each other remains the benchmark for Russia," Ryabkov added.

He said Russia-U.S. ties were currently at the lowest point since the Cold War, as the previous U.S. Administration of Barack Obama had "completely destroyed in a short period of time the foundations of cooperation built up over many years".

Therefore Russia will monitor the signals, which may emerge during U.S. President Donald Trump's first speech to Congress later in the day, Ryabkov said.

Noting that an anti-Russian stance and Russophobia sentiment well established in Trump's opponents could hurt the prospects of improving bilateral relations, Ryabkov said Moscow is working hard to minimize such damage.

Meanwhile, Ryabkov said Moscow was ready to hold discussions with Washington regarding security, including the U.S. endeavor to build a global missile defense system, and the development of non-nuclear strategic weaponry within the Prompt Global Strike program.

According to Ryabkov, preparations for meetings between presidents of the two countries are underway, with details on dates and venues undecided.

Source: Xinhua