Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met US President Donald Trump on Wednesday and praised him and his administration as problem solvers.<br /><br /> The bilateral meeting in the White House was the highest-level public contact between Trump and the Russian government since the Republican took office on Jan. 20.<br /><br /> It came just as Trump fought back criticism over his abrupt firing of FBI director James Comey, who was leading a probe into Moscow’s alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.<br /><br /> Moscow has repeatedly denied any meddling, and Lavrov said it was “humiliating” for Americans to hear claims that Russia controls the political situation in their country.<br /><br /> 2 photos of Trump in the Oval Office with Russian FM Lavrov and Ambassador Kislyak. They're from the Russians. Nothing from White House yet. pic.twitter.com/s8BSYDGn62— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) May 10, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> “Rein in” Assad<br /><br /> Lavrov and Trump discussed the war in Syria, in particular a Russian plan to create so-called de-escalation or safe zones in the country. Trump described the talks as “yery, very good”.<br /><br /> “We want to see the killing, the horrible killing, stopped in Syria as soon as possible and everyone is working toward that end,” Trump told reporters.<br /><br /> Speaking at the Russian Embassy in Washington after also meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Lavrov praised the talks as “constructive”.<br /><br /> “Now our dialogue is free of the ideology that was characteristic of the Obama administration,” he said. “The Trump administration, the president himself and the secretary of state, I was persuaded of this once again today, are people of action.”<br /><br /> Tensions between Washington and Moscow grew following U.S. air strikes against a Syrian airfield in April in response to a chemical weapons attack that Washington blamed on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad – a longtime ally of Russia.<br /><br /> During his meeting with Lavrov, Trump underscored “the need for Russia to rein in the Assad regime, Iran and Iranian proxies,” the White House said.<br /><br /> Explaining the deal signed by Russia, Turkey and Iran to create 'safe zones' in Syria: https://t.co/XDQkycdBF2 pic.twitter.com/MHoSTyE4sb— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 6, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> “Humiliating” suggestions<br /><br /> Lavrov brushed off reporters’ questions about Russians’ contacts with people in Trump’s campaign, saying “there is not a single fact” or piece of compelling evidence supporting allegations of Russian meddling.<br /><br /> “I believe it is even humiliating for the American people to hear that the Russian Federation is controlling the situation in America. How can it be possible for such a great power, and great country?” Lavrov said.<br /><br /> Earlier, as Tillerson and Lavrov posed for photographs, Lavrov sarcastically acknowledged the abrupt dismissal of Comey.<br /><br /> Asked by a reporter if the firing would cast a shadow over his talks, Lavrov replied in a sarcastic tone: “Was he fired? You’re kidding. You’re kidding.”<br /><br /> #Lavrov: Was FBI Director James
