Lavrov: Russia to improve U.K. relations

MOSCOW, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday his country is ready to improve relations with the United Kingdom through diplomatic efforts.

Speaking the month before British Foreign Secretary David Miliband is scheduled to visit Russia, Lavrov insisted his country is prepared to start anew with the United Kingdom, RIA Novosti reported.

"We are also ready to renew normal relations with Britain.... On our part, everything is ready for a reset," Lavrov said.

RIA Novosti said the Russian official's comments come after an unidentified spokesman for the British Foreign Office detailed Miliband's anticipation of his November visit to Moscow.

"The foreign secretary welcomes this opportunity to continue to engage with Russia on the major global challenges we all face, in which Russia plays a key role," the spokesman said.