Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and cult action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger held an informal meeting in Moscow during which they discussed events in Russia, U.S.-Russian relations and Schwarzenegger's latest film.
"We talked yesterday. It was a meeting between old friends. We have long known each other and took part in many events together when Raisa [Gorbachev's late wife] was alive," Gorbachev told Interfax on Friday.
Gorbachev said that Schwarzenegger was especially interested in the current situation in Russia. "I told him that although there has been a certain amount of progress, there are still a lot of problems waiting to be solved," he said.
The Soviet reformer said that the pair discussed ways to improve U.S.-Russian ties. "It's unacceptable to leave them in their present state," Gorbachev said, adding that they also talked about their charity work and "The Last Stand," the former California governor's latest film, which he was in Russia to promote.
"And at the end of the meeting we had lunch. A really decent one. Although neither of us can drink at the moment," Gorbachev said.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.