Interfax: U.S. Ambassador McFaul sure that Russia, U.S. have more common interests than differences

MOSCOW. Nov 16 (Interfax) – A positive agenda in Russian-U.S. relations outweighs the difficulties existing in them, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said.

“Today, those interests and challenges which unite us outweigh those issues which divide us,” McFaul told Interfax on Saturday in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Russia.

“From ensuring non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to collaboration on regional issues such as Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Middle East Peace Process, the United States and Russia share many common security interests,” McFaul said.

“Our two countries also share a common interest in increasing trade and investment,” he said.

“To be sure, we also must manage our differences on some security, economic and values issues, but our common agenda is enormous with the potential to grow even further,” he said.

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced on November 16, 1933 that his country was willing to establish normal diplomatic relations with the USSR, and an agreement on this was signed on November 17.

“November 17, 1933, was a milestone in our relationship with what was then the Soviet Union. But this date should be understood as a restoration of diplomatic relations rather than then beginning of diplomatic ties, since the United States’ relationship with Russia extends back more than 200 years to the late 18th century,” McFaul said.

“I am reminded of this incredible history every day as a statue of John Quincy Adams, our first ambassador to Russia (who later became our fifth president (sic!)), stands just outside of the entry to our embassy,” he said.

“Since the restoration of diplomatic relations in 1933, our countries have shared a deep and rich history, of both cooperation and confrontation,” he said.

“On a personal note, I am grateful for the restoration of diplomatic relations in 1933, because that was the year we negotiated a lease for Spaso House, paving the way for it to become the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador here a year later. It is a fantastic place to live. Thank you, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!” McFaul said.