Zee Beam News

MOSCOW. (Alexander Konovalov, president of the Institute for Strategic Assessments for RIA Novosti.) The Russian-US summit in Bratislava in late February will not be a routine meeting between the two presidents. The year 2004 was marked by significant changes in the approaches taken by the West, and the United States in particular, towards the political situation in Russia and Moscow's actions on the global arena. Therefore, the summit in Slovakia will certainly be a historical crossroads, and will determine future developments in many areas of international relations. During Vladimir Putin's first presidential term, Russia managed to strengthen significantly its authority, role and weight in international affairs, which was a surprise for many experts. Importantly, these positive changes occurred against the backdrop of moderate economic success and progress in the reform of democratic institutions in the country. The positive image of Russia on the global arena was shaped by a well-considered and appropriate foreign policy, primarily, due to the fact that the Russian leader was one of the first foreign leaders to support the US counterterrorist operation in Afghanistan after 9/11.