On a landmark visit to Russia to 'reset' ties between the two Cold War foes, United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday sought Moscow's cooperation in defeating terrorism, as he declared that neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban.
"For years, al Qaeda and its affiliates have defiled a great religion of peace and justice, and ruthlessly murdered men, women and children... Indeed, above all, they have murdered Muslims. These extremists have killed in Amman and Bali; Islamabad and Kabul; and they have the blood of Americans and Russians on their hands," he said in a keynote address to the prestigious New Economic School in Moscow.
He warned that these terrorists are plotting to kill "more of our people" and they benefit from safe havens, particularly along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"That is why America has a clear goal: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We seek no bases, nor do we want to control these nations. Instead, we want to work with international partners to help Afghans and Pakistanis advance their own security and prosperity," Obama said.
Expressing happiness over Russia agreeing to allow the US to send supplies to the coalition forces in Afghanistan through its territory, he said "neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban."
"It is time to work together on behalf of a different future -- a future in which we leave behind the great game of the past and the conflict of the present; a future in which all of us contribute to the security of Central Asia," Obama said, a day after meeting his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.
Beyond Afghanistan, he said, America is committed to promoting the opportunity that will isolate extremists.
"We are helping the Iraqi people build a better future...We are pursuing the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security. And we are partnering with Muslim communities around the world to advance education, health and economic development. In each of these endeavours, I believe that the Russian people share our goals, and will benefit from our success," the US President said.
Obama also held a crucial meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday morning.
As part of his two-day visit to Moscow, US and Russia on Monday signed an inter-governmental agreement, allowing the transit of American military supplies through Russian territory and air space.
