Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says the summit with President Barack Obama is a "first but very important step" toward revitalizing relations between Russia and the United States.

Medvedev says better relations would benefit both countries and also the rest of the world.

He spoke Monday at a joint news conference in the Kremlin.

Medvedev appears to be responding to urging from the Obama administration for Russia to move beyond Cold War thinking.

Many in Russia believe the United States is determined to weaken Russia, and are skeptical of U.S. programs touted as benefiting both countries.

President Obama is to meet Tuesday with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, whom he has described as having one foot stuck in a Cold War mentality.