Russia and the United States have assured their common views on preserving succession and pace of development in bilateral ties, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The presidents of Russia and the United States had confirmed concrete fields for bilateral cooperation, including strengthening international security and strategic stability, dealing with new global challenges and threats, developing trade and economic ties and expanding social and civil contacts, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the members of the Russian-American Business Cooperation Council on Thursday, the text of which was published on the ministry's website.

Lavrov said that both sides could consolidate the foundation of partnership given the successful joint efforts, noting that a long-term joint action plan is expected to be reached during the upcoming summit meeting of the heads of the two states in late February.

However, the minister pointed out that Russia and the United States also have different views over approaches to settling world crises, but divarication is normal for world powers.

Lavrov blamed Washington for implementing double standards in election process in the post-Soviet region, namely Ukraine which has just survived months of political turmoil, and interfering with Russia's internal affairs of the Yukos case and the ongoing political reforms.

Fortunately, both countries have learned to separate vital matters from minor issues in the bilateral ties, said the minister, expressing the belief that any problems could be settled with "good will, openness, predictability, mutual trust and respect of each other's interests."

He stressed that Russia and the United States can never "simply afford to ignore the bilateral partnership for the sake of ideological prejudices and mercenary interests" in the face of growing terrorist threat, the spread of the weapons of mass destruction and global challenges.

Lavrov also listed some problems remaining in Russian-American economic ties, including obstacles in space cooperation, limiting Russia's purchase of supercomputers and exports of competitive goods, as well as some factors hindering Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Lavrov called on both sides to intensify their economic cooperation which occupies a special place in bilateral relations and will serve as a solid foundation for an actively developing political dialogue.

He revealed that Russian-American trade registered a record high 14 billion dollars in 2004 and there is still great potential for growth.

The minister urged to expand business contacts in the energy and hi-tech spheres and to ensure stable growth of mutual investments.