Pakistan, July 22 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila on Thursday. The talks will focus on the Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts. The meeting comes amid strained relations between Moscow and Washington.

Lavrov said the meeting would take place on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' gathering in the Philippine capital. He described the talks as useful for exchanging views. Rubio also confirmed that Ukraine would be discussed during the meeting.

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According to Lavrov, the discussions will provide an opportunity for both sides to raise questions and receive responses. Meanwhile, Moscow has criticised...