(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN ACTOR, STEVEN SEAGAL, SAYING: "My greatest desire is to bring Russia and America together.

It always has been." And now veteran U.S. action hero Steven Seagal has been given that chance.

He's been appointed by Russia to strengthen relations with the United States.

The U.S.-Russia relationship has been getting steadily worse, with accusations of election meddling and disagreements over Syria and Ukraine at the forefront.

But Russia are hopeful that Steven Seagal could change all that, likening his new role to that of a U.N. goodwill ambassador.

Their foreign ministry say Seagal's appointment will aim to strengthen humanitarian, cultural, art and youth ties between the two countries.

Seagal won't receive a salary for the role but he's a regular visitor to Russia and, in 2016, he was presented with a Russian passport by fellow martial arts fan Vladimir Putin.