Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hoped for a constructive dialogue with Germany on the Russian initiatives related to European security and security of energy supplies. Following talks with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Moscow on June 10, Medvedev said that Moscow and Berlin customarily hold consultations on European security. I know that Germany has always taken a very open and constructive position in this area. We have discussed on a number of occasions, including at our personal meetings, the question of concluding a new treaty on guaranteeing European security, Medvedev said. At the recent Russia-European Union summit, we began discussing another important subject the basic principles for guaranteeing energy security. I hope that our European partners, especially as close a partner as Germany, will be interested in discussing the initiatives we have put forward and our approaches, because this is important for Europe’s future and also for resolving the economic problems that are causing us all such difficulties today, the Russian president said. Trade turnover between Russia and Germany has dropped sharply of late. This is a direct result of the crisis of course, and is not due to any political manipulation. We want to trade with each other. We want to develop our bilateral relations. We have a close partnership in this area, but we need to make an effort to keep our economies working in as synchronous a fashion as they were before the crisis began. I think this is a very important aspect of our cooperation, Medvedev said. During his Moscow visit, Steinmeier also urged Russian leaders not to miss an opportunity for improved ties with the US and a new deal on global nuclear disarmament. With the entry into office of President (Barack) Obama, there is a genuine chance for new cooperation between the United States, the European Union and Russia, Steinmeier said. The ghost of the Cold war has been banished... So I would like to say that the extended hand of the US president should be boldly accepted, he said. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the Kremlin would consider getting rid of its nuclear arsenal if all other countries agreed to do so as well. After meeting the German foreign minister, Putin was asked if he could imagine a Russia without nuclear weapons.