It was with great interest and attention that I listened to the statements made by my colleagues and friends, the head of the delegation of the United States to the Soviet-American talks on nuclear and space arms, Ambassador Richard Burt, and Ambassador David Smith. Eight months ago, here in this room, I had an opportunity to set out the state of affairs at the nuclear and space talks as of 3 August last year. Today I see my task as that of describing the progress that has been achieved in drawing up the START treaty since my previous statement. The Malta meeting between the leaders of the USSR and the United States held at the beginning of December last year had decisive a impact on the progress of the talks. Their agreement concerning the need to resolve all the major problems related to the START treaty before the summer 1990 summit and to sign the treaty during the same year has basically added a qualitatively new dimension to the talks. The President of the USSR and the President of the United States also exchanged views on NST problems through the exchange of messages. Of great significance were the meetings between the Soviet Minister for Foreign Affairs, E.A. Shevardnadze, and United States President G. Bush held in the second half of September last year and at the beginning of April this year, as well as the meetings between United States Secretary of State J. Baker and Soviet President M.S. Gorbachev at the beginning of February this year. These meetings took place during E.A. Shevardnadze's visit to Washington and J. Baker's visit to Moscow. Before the meeting of the Soviet and United States foreign ministers held in Wyoming on 22 and 23 September last year, a process of reciprocal 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement discussing the progress of nuclear and space arms talks between the Soviet Union and the United States. It mentions specific meetings and agreements between high-ranking officials, highlighting the importance of these talks. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that the topic is of a sensitive and strategic nature.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology