Top military officials from the United States and Russia met in Helsinki on Wednesday, according to US news agency Associated Press (AP).

The daylong meeting between General Mark Milley, chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, came at a crucial juncture in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Although the exact agenda of the meeting was not made public, Milley's spokesperson told AP that the two officials discussed efforts to improve communications between the two nations as well as how to reduce potential risk factors.

"Both sides seek increased transparency to reduce misunderstanding and increase stability," Colonel Dave Butler said. "The meeting is serious, both generals display mutual respect for each other though both have taken the opportunity to quip or joke on occasion."

AP further reported that US military leaders want to ensure that they will continue to receive intelligence from Afghanistan even after the withdrawal of US troops — including information on Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants in the country.


[link to yle.fi (secure)]

How is this man allowed to have any meetings with foreign advisory's.