US to forge relations with Russia on an equal footing: Obama

The United States wants to forge new relations on an equal footing with Russia, President Barack Obama said in a television interview broadcast Saturday to the Russian-language audience.

"America respects Russia, we want to build relations where we deal as equals," he told the international Russian-language news channel Vesti ahead of his landmark visit on Monday to Moscow.

Obama said relations had "left a lot to be desired in recent years" under predecessor George W. Bush and reminded his audience that he wanted to hit the "reset" button from day one in the White House.

Describing Russia as a "great country with extraordinary culture and traditions," he said it "remains one of the most powerful countries in the world" and is a major guarantor of "international stability and prosperity."

Obama is due to meet both President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, which would allow him to "better understand the concerns and politics" of both men.

He said he hoped both leaders would "reach the conclusion that they can work with me in an effective manner."

Labelling Medvedev a "thoughtful, forward-looking individual" who is "doing a fine job of leading Russia into the 21st century," Obama added that Putin has been "a very strong leader for the Russian people."

Obama's remarks were translated from the dubbed Russian. There was no immediate transcript in English available from the White House.

Washington has been accused by the Russian press of playing a dangerous game by seeking to drive a wedge between Medvedev and Putin in foreign relation