Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, at which fora discussion takes place between Russia and (a) officials of the UK Government and (b) officials or diplomats of Western countries.

Mr David Lidington, Minister of State for Europe: Discussions between UK and Russian officials take place as appropriate within those international institutions where both countries are represented. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, such contact is essential as we confront international challenges such as the conflict in Syria.

In the context of the NATO-Russia Council, however, dialogue with Russia has been largely suspended since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in March 2014.

Discussions take place within international institutions between Russian officials and officials or diplomats of Western countries on a range of key international issues.

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