Rand Paul Secures DC Meeting With Russian Delegation

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., met with Russian officials in Moscow on Monday and came to an agreement that will send an official Russian delegation to Washington, D.C., for a "continued dialogue" with lawmakers sometime in the future.

A statement posted to Paul's website confirmed the meeting he had with Konstantin Kosachev, who chairs the Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"Engagement is vital to our national security and peace around the world," Paul said. "[Monday], I met with Chairman Kosachev, and we agreed on the importance of continued dialogue. I invited the Russian Federation to send a delegation to the Capitol, and they have agreed to take this important next step."

The planned trip will mark the first time an official Russian delegation has traveled to meet with lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol in three years.

Paul also took some time to meet with Americans posted at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow during his swing through the Russian capital.

Paul's trip to Russia was first announced in mid-July.

"Russia doesn't need to be considered our friend," he said at the time. "But we certainly have overlapping interests — Syria, Islamic terrorism, and energy — that require us to have an open dialogue and relationship."

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