Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday said President Trump has made it clear the U.S. should work to rebuild its relationship with Russia.

During a news conference in New Zealand, Tillerson was asked whether he is concerned that the U.S. political crisis regarding the Russia probe could take down the Trump administration.

"I can't really comment on any of that because I don't have any direct knowledge," Tillerson said, regarding issues related to the probe into the Russian meddling in the U.S. election.

He added that the president has been clear that Russia is an "important global player," noting that the U.S. relationship with Russia is at a low point and is deteriorating.