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Mullen upbeat after talks with Russian leaders

MOSCOW — The top U.S. military officer said after meeting with Russian leaders Friday that both countries were willing to improve military ties.

Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, and Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.

“I’m very encouraged by our meeting,” Mullen told reporters after the talks.

Relations between the countries sank to their lowest point since the Cold War under the previous U.S. administration as Russia fiercely criticized U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe and the U.S. criticized Russia during its war with Georgia.

President Barack Obama plans to visit Moscow from July 6-8 as part of efforts to improve U.S.-Russian relations.

Makarov said he and Mullen discussed the U.S.-Russian talks on a successor to the 1991 START I arms control treaty, which expires Dec. 5, as well as U.S. missile defense plans; Afghanistan and Pakistan; North Korea; and possible joint action against sea piracy.

“We have come to a conclusion that there are many threats and challenges that we must tackle together,” Makarov said.

Makarov said he and Mullen outlined areas of potential cooperation between the U.S. and Russian militaries, for this year and beyond. He said an agreement could be signed during Obama’s visit to Moscow.

Makarov and Mullen wouldn’t provide any details of the prospective military deal.

At the Pentagon, Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman called the expected agreement a sign of goodwill but would not discuss details.

“It’s good for two countries to have strong, bilateral military-to-military relations,” Whitman told reporters. “We think it’s valuable.”

Whitman said U.S. officials “had no idea” Russian leaders were going to announce the intention to sign the agreement.