"The fundamentals of the Russian-US relations are firm, and despite the disagreements in international affairs and on the way of upholding our national interests, their base is solid enough to let us settle the current differences," Vladimir Putin said at his meeting with US Secretary of State, Colin Powell.
"We intend to act in the same vein," Putin said. He also asserted Powell that the general mood in Russian society corresponded to this goal.
Putin pointed out positive changes in the relations with the US since his previous negotiations with George Bush last September in Camp David.
"Russia sees the development of Russo-American relations as an essential achievement of the Russian foreign policy and the George Bush administration," noted the Russian president.
"We are moving towards the fulfillment of the priority plans outlined in Camp David, and strategic stability in such a sensitive area as the space," said the Russian leader.
Anyway, the priority moves that George Bush and I mapped out are constantly in the focus of our experts' attention, and we are gradually implementing these plans, said Putin.
In his words, Russia's trade and economic ties with the US are making progress too as well as anti-terrorist interaction.
"We are working in close cooperation in Afghanistan," he noted.
