"We call for the renewal of dialogue on key weapons reduction issues. First of all, we propose to our American partners to launch negotiations on replacing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty treaty, which expires in 2009."

The treaty, signed in 1991 by the United States and the Soviet Union, places limits on the number of various types of vehicles and attributed warheads that could be deployed by either side.

Putin also called for Russian diplomats to find new, inventive responses to international challenges. made the statement and stressed that relations between Russia and the United States must be based on mutual respect.

In addition the Russian President called for broader international cooperation in the struggle against terrorism and drug trafficking, in peacekeeping missions and in joint responses to natural disasters.