MOSCOW, March 12 (Xinhua) -- A Russian delegation visiting the United States has discussed the current crisis in the global energy market and potential economic projects with the U.S. side, said a Russian presidential special envoy on Thursday.

A meeting was held between the Russian delegation and U.S. officials on projects for restoring bilateral ties, said Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin and head of the Russian delegation.

He said that many countries, particularly the United States, began to better understand the key role of Russian oil and gas in ensuring global economic stability, as well as the ineffectiveness and destructive nature of sanctions against Russia.

Earlier in the day, U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff said the U.S. and Russian representatives discussed "a variety of topics" and agreed to stay in touch. ■