Russia ready to work with US

Moscow, Nov 19 (IANS/EFE) Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday said Russia is prepared to cooperate on different levels with the US on the basis of mutual respect for both countries' strategic interests.

"We are ready for practical cooperation with our American partners in different fields, based on the principles of respect for each others' interests, equal rights and non-interference in internal matters," Putin said.

He made the comments during a ceremony at the Kremlin where he received the credentials of the new US ambassador, John Tefft, and a dozen more newly-appointed ambassadors to Moscow from various countries.

Putin added that Russia and the US bear a special responsibility to maintain international security and stability, and to counter global challenges and threats.

On receiving the credentials of the 15 new ambassadors, Putin acknowledged the strategic nature of the current rise in economic cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries for the development of Siberia and the Far East.

The Russian president also clarified that his country is equally interested in developing cooperation with East and West.

--IANS/EFE

bb/