UK looks to improve Russia relations

Britain’s Prime Minister says he hopes the election of Dmitry Medvedev as Russian President will help improve relations between the two countries. But Gordon Brown says Britain will judge Medvedev by his actions.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said that the United States looks forward to working with Medvedev.

“It's in our mutual interest for Russia and the United States to work together on areas of common interest such as non-proliferation, counter-terrorism and combating transnational crime,” he added.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the first to congratulate Dmitry Medvedev, and has already invited him to France.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel was also quick to welcome Medvedev, saying she looked forward to forging closer ties between the two countries.

European Union Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, expressed his confidence that under President Medvedev Russia and the EU would continue to develop their strategic partnership.

Hopes of a better relationship were also at the heart of the congratulations offered by both Estonia and Georgia.