Obama: 'Excellent' chance for Russia reset

WASHINGTON, May 7 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama said Thursday the United States and Russia have an "excellent opportunity" to reset relations.

Speaking briefly with reporters at the White House, Obama said he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had an "excellent conversation" as part of the preparation for Obama's visit to Moscow this summer.

"He and Secretary (of State Hillary) Clinton and the rest of our foreign policy teams have been meeting throughout the day," Obama said.

"As I've said before, I think we have an excellent opportunity to reset the relationship between the United States and Russia on a whole host of issues, from nuclear weapons and nuclear proliferation, the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, how we approach Iran, how we approach the Middle East, commercial ties between the two countries, and how we address the financial crisis that has put such a strain on the economies of all countries around the world," Obama said.

Lavrov called the White House meetings "very pragmatic" and "businesslike," based on "the common interest whenever our positions coincide, and on … respect to each other whenever we have disagreements."

"And I can convey to you once again that (Russian) President (Dmitry) Medvedev is really looking forward to meeting you in Moscow in July," Lavrov said.