CRI听力：Medvedev: Russia Ready for Honest Talks with the U.S.

Russia is ready for open, honest and productive negotiations with the United States.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday he is looking forward to an open, honest and productive discussion on Russia-U.S. relations during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.

"I hope that we shall be able to meet to discuss all the issues that are on the agenda between Russia and the US today. I believe that the discussion must be frank and honest and productive as well. The signals I have been receiving from the United States look encouraging. This is a sign that our counterparts are ready to work, and we hope for this very much."(www.hXen.com)

The meeting between Medvedev and Obama is expected to take place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in London on April 2.

Russia-U.S. relations have deteriorated in recent years over a string of events, including NATO's eastward enlargement and Washington's plan to deploy a missile shield in Central Europe.

However, both sides have voiced their willingness to repair bilateral ties since Obama took office on Jan. 20.