Moscow, Jun 21 (IANS): Russia government hopes that the newly-nominated Ukrainian foreign minister would help in promoting constructive, diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.
Lavrov voiced the expectation during a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Pavlo Klimkin Friday, Xinhua reported.
Klimkin became Ukraine's new foreign minister Thursday after the Ukrainian parliament dismissed his predecessor Andriy Deshchytsya in the wake of a diplomatic row with Russia.
The two ministers "discussed measures to settle the situation in Ukraine, including in the context of the April 17 Geneva statement".
Lavrov reiterated the importance of Ukraine to de-escalate conflicts as soon as possible, ensuring security of all Ukrainian citizens, and to start an all-party dialogue.
The two also agreed "to take efforts to support Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's peaceful plan, particularly with an emphasis on effective control of Ukrainian border", the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.