Press release: First UK Minister visit to Russia in two years

Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan used the opportunity, the first Ministerial visit to Russia for two years, to discuss international security issues ahead of the Foreign Secretary’s visit later this month.

Meeting the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov, the two Ministers agreed that the strong cooperation shown around security and policing ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Russia is hugely important and proves the value of working together on issues of mutual interest.

Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan said:

The UK’s approach of robust engagement with Russia is the right one. We will continue to engage with Russia, agreeing where we can but challenging when we do not.

In my wide-ranging meeting with First Deputy Foreign Minister Titov, I thanked him for the efforts Russia have shown in preparing for the World Cup next summer. We agreed that where our interests align, there is huge value in cooperation.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, my visit, and indeed the forthcoming visit by the Foreign Secretary, are vital opportunities to discuss matters of international security such as Ukraine, Syria, Iran and North Korea.

The Minister also visited the venue for the 2018 World Cup Final, the Luzhniki Stadium, and saw the preparations underway which have included visits by UK Police.