Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday underlined the importance of Russia-U.S. cooperation and vowed to further bilateral relations in a New Year message to his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush.
"I can state with satisfaction that they confirmed yet again how important (the Russian-U.S.) cooperation is in forging approaches that meet the interests of our two countries and of the world community as a whole," the Interfax news agency quoted Putin as saying when recalling his meetings with Bush in 2007.
"I do hope that the positive direction and pace of bilateral relations we have set will continue, as our nations are entering a responsible period in their political life," Putin was quoted as saying.
Putin has pledged to step down following next March's presidential election due to constitutional bar on a third consecutive term.
"I highly appraise your personal commitment to strengthening mutual understanding between Russia and the United States," Putin said, adding there is strategic significance of partnership between the two countries in tackling global problems and ensuring world stability.
Russia and the United States, however, are still in rows on arrays of issues such as Kosovo, Iran, and a U.S. planned anti-ballistic missile system in Central Europe that Washington says will prevent possible attack from Iran but Moscow says it will threaten its national security.
Moscow has criticized Washington's unilateralism in international relations and its interference with other countries' internal affairs while Washington has been blaming the democratic situation in Russia.
Source; Xinhua
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