Obama congratulates Putin

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WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama called Vladimir Putin to congratulate him Friday on his election to a third term as president of Russia, the White House said.

During the call, Obama said the United States and Russia have succeeded in a reset of their relationship in the past three years, citing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and cooperation on Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the recent invitation to Russia to join the World Trade Organization. Obama said he looks forward to seeing Putin at the Group of 8 summit in May at Camp David.

Putin, who served as president of Russia from 2000 to 2008, became prime minister under President Dmitry Medvedev. The Russian constitution does not allow a president more than two consecutive terms.

During the phone conversation, the leaders agreed to continue discussions on areas where they disagree, including how to deal with the regime of President Bashar Assad in Syria.