MOSCOW - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow is ready to help stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.
Russia says it is willing to allow the United States and others to cross Russian territory with cargo intended for coalition forces in the war-wracked nation.
Medvedev said that Russia also is prepared to help international efforts to combat drug-trafficking and terrorism in Afghanistan.
During his visit to Afghanistan's neighbour Uzbekistan, Medvedev voiced hope that Barack Obama's administration will do better than its predecessors in stabilizing Afghanistan.
Medvedev's comments appear to reflect the Kremlin's wish to mend ties with Washington, which deteriorated under the administration of George W. Bush.
U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood says he welcomes Medvedev's comments.
