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"As I prepare to visit Moscow, Chancellor Merkel and I reaffirmed our commitment to a more substantive relationship with Russia," the president told a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel after their meeting in the White House.
"Chancellor Merkel shares my belief that no single nation can meet the challenges of our time alone," said Obama, adding that the two countries would work with Russia on "issues where we agree and honestly confronting those areas where we disagree."
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U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hold a news conference in the White House in Washington D.C., capital of the United State, June 26, 2009. |
"In Moscow, we will continue to explore ways in which the United States and Russia can advance our common interests, including our joint commitment to reducing our nuclear arsenals and strengthening the global noNPRoliferation regime," said the president, who is scheduled to visit Moscow in July.
During his visit to Russia, Obama is expected to discuss with his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev on a new pact to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty that expires this December. Senior government officials and disarmament experts from the two countries have been busy on drafting the new pact.
Echoing Obama's remarks, Merkel said that a partnership with Russia "is very important" for Germany and the European Union, adding that Germany and the EU expect "a very good relationship" between Washington and Moscow.
Obama's predecessor George W. Bush and his administration planned to deploy 10 missile interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic as part of its European missile shield, in a so-called prevention of its European allies from missile threat by "rouge state."
Russia strongly opposes the measure, saying it poses threat to its security.
Looking for Russia's cooperation on dealing with challenges, such as financial crisis, proliferation, climate change, terrorism, the Obama administration has vowed to "press the reset button" with Moscow through more bilateral strategic cooperation and conversation.