Resetting US-Russia relations

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov as the US takes steps to revive its relationship with Russia.

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President Barack Obama's team hopes to improve ties with Russia after they hit a post-Cold War low during George W. Bush's presidency.

Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

STORY:

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on a mission to reset the US relationship with Russia, ended meetings with Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on an optimistic note.

SOUNDBITE: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying (English):

"Sergei, it was a good beginning and we will continue work closely. There is a lot of work to be done but we think this is a fresh not only to improve our bilateral relationship but to lead the world in important areas."

President Barack Obama's team hopes to improve ties with Russia after they hit a post-Cold War low during George W. Bush's presidency.

When Russia sent tanks and troops into Georgia last year, the Bush administration tried to isolate Moscow, especially in international institutions such as NATO, which suspended ties.

Clinton said divisions remain between the two super powers and it will take time to heel the wounds.

SOUNDBITE: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying (English):

"We had frank talks about where we disagree the relationship needs more trust, predictability and progress."

Clinton said the US and Russia have plenty of common ground on nuclear non proliferation issues -- adding she expected a new strategic arms agreement with russia by the end of the year.

But tensions remain. The US and Russia have clashed over a missile shield Washington is planning in Europe to deter any attack from a country like Iran.

So how steep a climb will it be for the US to restart its relationship with washington?

Dave Capezza of the Center for a New American Security

SOUNDBITE: Dave Capezza of the Center for a New American Security, saying (English):

"I think what the rest button is, it is essentially moving forward, not looking back and moving forward on d issues that are facing both governments today as well as the international community, is I think its is in fact fairly simple to move forward."

President Obama is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart at the G20 meeting In London next months.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.