Donald Trump favours re-engaging with Russia: Rex Tillerson

Wellington: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says President Donald Trump has asked him to rebuild the US's relationship with Russia and not allow political turmoil over possible ties to his campaign to get in the way.

Tillerson says relations with Russia are at a low point and deteriorating, and Trump asked him to try to stabilize the relationship and rebuild trust.

The top US diplomat spoke today in Wellington, New Zealand, where he met with Prime Minister Bill English.

Tillerson also said he couldn't comment on the possibility evidence could be uncovered that could bring down the administration because "I have no direct knowledge."

He says Trump has been clear with him that he should not allow the uproar over the Russia investigations to impede him from working on the relationship.