U.S. President Barack Obama, capping a far-flung Asian trip of mixed results, assured Russian President Dimitri Medvedev today that getting the Senate to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is a “top priority” of his administration.
“I reiterated my commitment to getting the START treaty done during the lame-duck session,” Mr. Obama said, noting that Congress returns next week for its post-election session.
In talks with Mr. Medvedev on the sidelines of the summit of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Mr. Obama also reiterated his support for bringing Russia into the World Trade Organisation, calling Russia “an excellent partner.”
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The START treaty, which has been pending in the Senate for months, has drawn resistance, principally from minority Republicans.
Asked during a picture-taking session about whether his administration was putting more money on the table for the nuclear programme, Mr. Obama declined to answer.
He did say, on another matter, that he believes Mr. Medvedev is bringing about reforms in the former Soviet Union and is moving the country forward. He said he supports Mr. Medvedev’s pursuit of membership in the World Trade Organisation — a point the Russian leader reinforced as he and Mr. Obama appeared briefly before reporters and camera crews.
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Mr. Obama said he is “working closely” to achieve that end.
Both Mr. Obama and Mr. Medvedev touted a close working relationship and friendship. Mr. Obama extended thanks to Moscow for cooperation on Afghanistan and on a host of international issues ranging from the Middle East to Sudan.
Said Mr. Medvedev: “It has been very pleasant for me to have this meeting and discuss a whole range of bilateral and multilateral issues with my colleague. Indeed, we have a very good relationship. We understand each other very well. It’s very important to attain agreement on a whole range of issues.”