White House
07 May 2009
President Barack Obama (r) and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the White House, 07 May 2009 |
As they talked to reporters after meeting in the Oval Office, Mr. Obama and the Russian foreign minister avoided the contentious issues that divide their countries.
The president said he looks forward to improving U.S.-Russian relations.
"As I have said before, I think we have an excellent opportunity to reset the relationship between the United States and Russia on a whole host of issues," said President Obama.
Despite disagreements over Georgia, U.S. missile defense in Europe and NATO expansion, the two officials' statements to reporters focused on the presidents' meeting in July. It will be Mr. Obama's first formal summit with his Russian counterpart. Lavrov brought the U.S. president a message of welcome.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington, 6 May 2009 |
Presidents Obama and Medvedev hope to consider a framework for a new strategic arms agreement during their summit.
The U.S. and Russia begin talks May 18 on a deal to replace the START-One strategic arms treaty, which runs out at the end of the year.
Lavrov met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier on Thursday.