MOSCOW - Russia is ready to deepen economic and energy cooperation with the United States, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday.

Ryabkov said the two countries maintain contact through various channels, and that economic issues are among the agenda.

"I can mention Sakhalin-1 as the most obvious example of the work that has begun in this area ... However, there are other areas. We are ready to deepen these discussions and are open to practical cooperation," he said, referring to the oil and gas project on Sakhalin Island.

The diplomat stated that Moscow was disappointed with Washington's recent decision to tighten requirements for non-immigrant visas for Russian citizens.

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He noted that the decision runs counter to recent efforts to improve bilateral relations and called on the United States to review the new restrictions.

On Sept 6, the US Department of State announced new visa application rules, under which Russian nationals need to apply for non-immigrant visas only at specific embassies abroad.