US, Russia are 'equals': Obama

The United States wants to forge new relations on an equal footing with Russia, President Barack Obama said in a television interview

"America respects Russia, we want to build relations where we deal as equals,"

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."

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."