WASHINGTON — The U.S. and Russia are trying to repair deep damage to relations caused by diplomatic collisions on issues including missile defense, the crisis in Syria and the case of Edward Snowden.

Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart opened a high-level meeting today. They expressed hope that areas of cooperation could be found for the sake of international security.

Kerry allows that relations have been marred by “challenging moments.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and the Russian defense minister are also part of the meeting.