Russia tasks Hollywood actor Seagal with improving U.S. ties

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russia has made U.S. actor Steven Seagal its special representative for Russian-U.S. humanitarian ties. A role which is said to be meant for deepening cultural, art and youth ties between the two countries.

It was in 2016 when President Vladimir Putin presented a Russian passport to U.S. actor Steven Seagal, saying he hoped it would serve as a symbol of how fractious ties between Moscow and Washington were starting to improve.

According to news agency The Russian Foreign Ministry has likened Steven Seagal’s new role to that of a U.N. goodwill ambassador and said that the actor. The actor who is known best for his martial arts prowess, would not receive any salary.

In a statement the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “It’s a case of people’s diplomacy intersecting with traditional diplomacy,”
A news channel has cited his views on this development, “I’ve always had a very strong desire to do all I can to help improve Russian-American relations, I have worked tirelessly in this direction for many years unofficially and I am now very grateful for the opportunity to do the same thing officially”, says Steven Seagal.

U.S and Russia relations are on worse side since U.S. intelligence agencies accused Moscow of interfering in Donald Trump’s run for elections, which is denied by Russia. The two countries are also at unlikeliness over international issues like Syria and Ukraine.

Steven Seagal’s Hollywood films titled, “Under Siege” and “Sniper: Special Ops,” are popular with the Russian audiences. The 66 years Hollywood actor is reported to be a regular visitor to Russia and also President Putin’s favorite.