The Russian Foreign Ministry says Moscow and Washington are ready to move forward on several thorny issues.

Among them, negotiations over a proposed US missile defense shield and a reduction of strategic arms.

The new administration of US President Barack Obama has also expressed its willingness to reset bilateral relations.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesman says US President Barack Obama's new approach to missile defense provides a window of opportunity for ending the rift that has long strained bilateral ties.

He is optimistic the two countries have an opportunity to reach agreement on the missile defense issue.

Andrei Nesterenko, Spokesman of Russian Foreign Ministry, said, "We honestly hope that with the new administration in power in Washington, that positive dynamics will dominate our bilateral relations with the US. The results of our first contacts with the Obama administration representatives have been encouraging."

The spokesman's sentiments were echoed by former US Secretary of State, James Baker. He says improved relations are in the best interests of both sides.

James Baker, Former US Secretary of State, said, "It's important that US-Russian relations get back on track, if you will, because we have so many interests that converge. Yes, we have some differences. We'll have to manage those differences, but in many many areas the interests of the United States and Russia converge. And it's very much in the interests of both countries to have the best possible bilateral relationship they can."

Baker also says the nuclear issue remains a critical issue between the two countries.

Since both sides control over 95 percent of the world's nuclear arms, Baker says the US and Russia must find a way to manage their differences.

(CCTV March 20, 2009)