The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who attended a meeting between the U.S. and Russian defense and foreign policy officials, stated that the circumstances surrounding Russia’s grant of asylum to former NSA contractor Edward Snowden did not undermine the common interests that the United States and Russia shared.

He also added that there is no Cold War going on between the two countries. In fact, the situation was quite the opposite, as Russia and America have a positive relationship that has a potential for growing stronger. He went on to say that the situation involving Edward Snowden is only an exception. The United States has already stated its arguments on the matter several times. Even so, the representatives of the Russian Federal Migration Service still continue to discuss the situation and the Russian President is still considering further action.

Minister Lavrov clarified that in that specific instance, Russia had acted according to the country’s policies and rules that were based on international law. As such, Russian authorities could not have acted or handled the issue in any other way because the law did not allow it. He also said that the United States and Russia did not have an extradition agreement.

Minister Lavrov also stated that the situation with Edward Snowden elicited a strong emotional response. He once again stressed that the situation would not undermine common interests between the two countries.