November 17, 2010

Obama and Medvedev discuss priorities on final journey of 10-day Asia trip

Michael McFaul, former CDDRL director and deputy director of FSI now serving as President Obama's senior advisor on Russia, accompanied President Obama during his meeting in Japan with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the final session of the American president's 10-day trip through Asia. President Obama stated that ratification of the New Start Treaty now before the Senate was a top priority, and also underscored his commitment to lifting cold-war era trade restrictions, an important step that would pave the way for Russia to join the World Trade Organization.

• » NY Times: "Obama and Asia-Pacific Leaders Vow to Work Toward Freer Trade"