U.S. President Barack Obama says his country wants a "strong, peaceful and prosperous" Russia and for bilateral relations to get off to a new start.
Obama delivered a speech on Tuesday at a graduation ceremony of the New Economic School in Moscow.
In the typical Obama style speech, the US president spoke of a new era of Russian-US relations, saying the pursuit of power is no longer a zero-sum game and progress must be shared.
Barack Obama, U.S. President, said, "There is the 20th century view that United States and Russia are destined to be antagonists. And that a strong Russia or a strong America can only assert themselves in opposition to one another. And there is a 19th century view, that we are destined to vie for spheres of influence and that great powers must forge competing blocs to balance on another. These assumptions are wrong. In 2009, a great power does not show strength by dominating or demonishing other countries. The days when empires could treat sovereign states as pieces on a chessboard are over."
Obama said it is in the United States' interest to reverse the spread of nuclear weapons, and urged cooperation on nuclear security.
Barack Obama, U.S. President, said, "Whether America or Russia, neither of us would benefit from a nuclear arms race in East Asia or the Middle East. That's why we should be united in opposing North Korea's efforts to become a nuclear power. And opposing Iran's efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon.
He reiterated that there would be no need for U.S. missile defense deployment in Europe if Iran would abandon its nuclear and missile programs.
His speech ranged from security prospects in Pakistan and Afghanistan to joint efforts in combatting the global financial crisis.
Concluding the speech, Obama said he wants a new international system that enables all nations to pursue their interests peacefully.
Obama is on a three-day visit to Russia, the first since he took office. He has met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
(CCTV July 8, 2009)
