Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had contact with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's campaign team prior to Tuesday's election.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told journalists on Thursday that his ministry had such contacts during the campaign and would continue to maintain them afterward. When asked if Russia would try to intensify those contacts, Ryabkov said that it would depend on the situation and issues Russia faces.
Read about how Russians greeted Trump's victory
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his hopes for better U.S.-Russia relations in a press conference following a meeting in Benin.
"We certainly hope that the relations between Russia and the United States, which are now experiencing a very, very unfavorable period, will improve and become normal, that meets the interests of our peoples and the interests of the entire international community," Lavrov said.
Read our analysis of what Trump means for the future of U.S.-Russia relations
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