Although the relationship between Russia and the UK is at a low, this chill wasn't initiated by Moscow, Sergei Lavrov said, adding that the Russian authorities "would prefer to discuss mutual concerns directly."
Expressing hope for "open, direct conversation," the Russian diplomat said he "considered outlining specific steps on the invigoration of our relations as the main task of this conversation."
In turn, UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson commented on Ukraine and the Western Balkans issues, saying that London and Moscow "should talk about these things and be frank about them."
READ MORE: Boris Johnson on His Russia Visit: 'We Have Much More in Common Than Divides Us'
