Alexei Nikolsky/Associated Press

North Korea has Dennis Rodman. If Roy Jones Jr. has his way, Russia will soon have him. The boxing great traveled to Russia this week to ask President Vladimir Putin for citizenship over a cup of tea, as noted by Fox Sports Live:

According to a transcript of the conversation released by the Russian government, Jones spoke of his plans to take advantage of his fame in the country via boxing promotion, singing and other endeavors.

"That’s why I want to come here," Jones said. "That’s why I’m also here. Because I want to ask you about maybe having a passport to go back and forth so that I can do business here. Because all the people here seem to love Roy Jones Jr. And I love when people love me."

OK, two things: First, "I love when people love me" sounds like the most depressing Hallmark card ever created. It might as well say, "I compensate for my loneliness with your adoration."

Second, this is all kinds of amazing. Just take this quote: "And also, I think, sports-wise, it would help build a bridge between the two countries [United States and Russia]."

This is the greatest moment in athlete international relations since Rodman called Kim Jong Un his "dear friend for life" and took credit for the release of a detainee. Anyone looking to defend the bombast of Kanye West will forever and always have Rodman and Jones locked into their holster.

Back to the topic of Jones' citizenship, Putin said, "we would certainly be happy" to grant the former light heavyweight champion a passport. So perhaps there is hope for this world yet. First Rocky IV ended the Cold War, and now Roy Jones Jr. is going to save U.S.-Russia relations one match at a time.

The only question remaining: Which athlete will come to our rescue next?

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter