Putin expects mutual interests to improve Russian-US relations

The fundamental mutual interests of Moscow and Washington, including fighting terrorism, will help to improve their relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

Addressing a plenary session of the Russian Energy Week (REW), which kicked off in Moscow on October 3, Putin said the two countries share fundamental interests, including energy policies, fighting cybercrime, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, anti-terrorism efforts and dealing with regional conflicts.

"I think these fundamental mutual interests will sooner or later change the nature of Russian-US. relations for the better," Xinhua quoted Putin as saying.

"Some forces are making use of Russian-American relations to resolve internal political problems in the United States," he said.

The REW, being held in Moscow and St Petersburg, will end on October 10. Participants will discuss prospects for the development of the core sectors of the economy, including oil, gas, coal and petrochemical industries.

On Tuesday, Putin had said that Russia is ready to cooperate with the US on the basis of equality.

--IANS

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