Excerpts of Secretary Rice and Defense Secretary Gates Meeting With Russian President-Elect Medvedev and President PutinSecretary Condoleezza RiceMoscow, Russia March 17, 2008 View Video
SECRETARY RICE: But I would underscore the point that you've made, that we need to make certain that there's a firm foundation for continuity and change in the U.S.-Russian relationship because there is no problem that will be solved in a better way unless the United States and Russia are able to cooperate together. SECRETARY GATES: You say we have many subjects to cover, there are many in which we are already working together and we can strengthen those, and on those where we have disagreements we can see if we can make progress. SECRETARY RICE: We do find the 2+2 format a very good one but I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with us personally. SECRETARY GATES: I also would like to thank you for welcoming us and meeting with us. We have come to Moscow outside of the usual rotation between Washington and Moscow in the hope that we can make progress and complete areas where we're in agreement and strengthen those areas, and where we can make progress in those areas where we do have disagreements. Released on March 18, 2008 |
