Kremlin stresses importance of Russia-U.S. informal contacts

Informal contacts between Russia and the United States are an important part of the ongoing dialogue between the two countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Generally, informal contacts constitute a very important part of dialogue. The more so as the United States has taken a number of unfriendly steps against Russia," Dmitry Peskov said.

That is why they are so important, he said, commenting on Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev’s informal meetings during his visit to the United States.

"This is a small step along a long-long road. This is the way this should be viewed. This work is necessary, and it takes a lot of patience," Dmitry Peskov said.