"There is much negativity in the Russian-US ties nowadays, this is regrettable. We always task ourselves with fixing this tendency … It is about the need to convince our US colleagues that equal, neighborly relations correspond to the interests of the people of both Russia and the United States," Antonov said.
"In my opinion, the United States and Russia are simply doomed to positive cooperation, Russia and the US are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and we have a special responsibility for safeguarding international peace and security."
Russia and the United States support the strengthening of the international mechanism of non-proliferation, he said.
"I believe that many of Russia’s and US strategic goals and tasks coincide. Both Russia and the United States support strengthening of the international regime of non-proliferation."
On Wednesday, the international committee of the Russian State Duma considered Antonov’s candidacy for the post of the country’s ambassador ot the United States. According to a Sputnik source, the lawmakers supported it.
Currently, Sergei Kislyak serves as the Russian envoy to the United States. Anatoly Antonov previously served as the Deputy Defense Minister of Russia.
According to Russian media reports, the decision to appoint Antonov, who is considered to be an advocate of taking a hard line toward the United States, was made in autumn 2016, with Moscow believing Hillary Clinton would win the US presidential election. However, despite Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States, Antonov still remains the top candidate for the office, sources told Kommersant newspaper.
Antonov graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO) in 1978 and spent over 30 years in the Foreign Ministry, with his work being focused on issues of security and disarmament. In February 2011 Antonov became Deputy Defense Minister. He was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister on December 28, 2016.
