Ex-Reagan Aide Massie Hopes Russia, US Leaders Will Find Common Ground For Dialogue
Umer Jamshaid Published May 29, 2023 | 10:10 AM
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th May, 2023) Suzanne Massie, who used to advise US President Ronald Reagan on Russia in the final years of the Cold War, told Sputnik that she is hopeful that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, will be able to surpass their predecessors and agree on having a dialogue for the sake of "saving the world."
"Presidents (of Russia, the US) used to be able to talk," Massie said. "I hope that the current leaders will be able to surpass their predecessors and find common ground for dialogue in the name of saving the world ... because the threat of nuclear war is a danger to the whole world."
Massie spoke on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the historic 1988 meeting between Reagan and then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Moscow.
Massie prepared Reagan for his trip to Moscow, helped to write speeches. As she recalls, before the Moscow visit, she recommended that Reagan addressed the women of the Soviet Union. Massie drew Reagan's attention to the fact that women have influence over their men when they come home. Reagan addressed through television.
"Gorbachev asked Reagan how he liked the Kremlin, and Reagan replied that he loves everything that is older than him," Massie recalled.
Reagan also gave a speech at the Danilovsky Monastery in Moscow. Massie noted that it was also at her advice.
"The topic of Christian values is also important now. As a start," Massie said and went on to point out that Reagan and Gorbachev began communication for the first time with the topic of God.
Massie also recalled that when Reagan left, he told the press that Gorbachev was responsible for the success of his visit to the Soviet Union, since he was the head of the country.
Last year, Massie shared with Sputnik a letter from Reagan where he thanks her for the preparations for the Moscow Summit in 1988.
Massie acted as an unofficial adviser to President Reagan as a backchannel to the Soviet Union from 1984-1988. During her service, Massie shared with Reagan her extensive knowledge of Russian culture and people, helped him prepare for the meetings with Gorbachev and contributed to ending of the Cold War between the two countries. She famously taught Reagan the Russian proverb, "trust but verify," which he repeatedly used during missile treaty talks.
Massie is fluent in Russian and has written numerous books on Russia's history and culture.
Recent Stories
Finance Minister reiterates determination to make business environment more cond ..
SC all set to take up govt pleas challenging ruling against NAB amendments
Islamabad, Rawalpindi weather update: Rain breaks heat wave
PM calls for urgent steps to make exports more competitive
Interior Minister visits site of under construction Jail in Islamabad
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 10 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 10 May 2024
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
May 9 culprits must be brought to logical end: Hanif Abbasi
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
Balochistan Assembly passes resolution to condemn May 9 attacks
Spain govt vows to block hostile BBVA bid for rival bank
More Stories From World
-
Ukraine says Russia launches cross-border offensive in northeast
46 minutes ago -
Champion Rybakina, home hope Musetti retire sick from Rome Open
46 minutes ago -
CPEC Phase II highlights strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, industry, technology
1 hour ago -
Pandemic agreement talks near end with deal elusive
1 hour ago -
Israeli artillery hits Rafah after truce talks end
1 hour ago -
Russia launches offensive into Kharkiv region: Ukraine
1 hour ago
-
China delivers Chang'e-6 mission cube satellite data to Pakistan
2 hours ago -
'World coming to an end': Kenyan town copes with life underwater
2 hours ago -
Ishaque Dar visit to China important part of institutional exchanges: Lin Jian
2 hours ago -
Ishaq Dar’s visit to China important part of institutional exchanges: Lin Jian
2 hours ago -
More than 100,000 people have fled Gaza's Rafah: UN
2 hours ago -
Olympiakos make history by reaching Europa Conference League final
3 hours ago