[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, expressed concerns that the relationship between Russia and the United States will become very difficult after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, similar to the era of the Barack Obama administration. It is reported that Russia has not yet congratulated Biden on his election victory.
According to Russia's TASS news agency, Minister Lavrov said in an interview with Kazakhstan's state news agency Kazinform on the 1st (local time), "Judging from Biden's statements and remarks, the foreign policy of the Biden administration is expected to follow the principles pursued by the Obama administration," expressing concerns that relations with the U.S. could further deteriorate. Previously, the Obama administration pursued a reset policy to improve relations with Russia after taking office in 2009, but as the policy failed, relations between the two countries worsened to the extent that it was called a 'second Cold War.'
In particular, after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula, which was part of Ukraine, in 2014, the U.S. and the West imposed strong sanctions on Russia, worsening relations to their worst state. Russia is concerned that if the Biden administration, expected to continue the Obama administration's foreign policy stance, takes office, it will strengthen pressure on Russia regarding democracy, human rights issues, and international affairs.
Minister Lavrov said, "We will work based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs," adding, "We hope the Biden administration will also consider the legitimate interests of other countries." He further stated, "Since the official U.S. election results have not yet been announced, it is premature to discuss the impact of the election on U.S. foreign relations." Russia remains the only major country that has not yet congratulated Biden on his election victory.
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