Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, and Barack Obama, the US president, discussed various contentious issues over a two-day summit that began on Monday. 

Obama has called for Russia and the US to unite in efforts to prevent North Korea and Iran from developing their nuclear ambitions.

He urged Russia to break from the past, emphasising the common goals the US shares with its former Cold War rival.

Both sides seemed to be committed to a new era of co-operation and have signed eight separate agreements to that effect.

How far has Obama succeeded in resolving the key issues that define US-Russian relations? Will his visit help the two countries move forward?

Inside Story discusses with guests: Richard Weitz, a director of the centre for political-military analysis at the Hudson Institute; Ivan Safranchuk, a senior lecturer in international relations in Moscow, and Fred Weir, a political analyst at the Christian Science Monitor. 

This episode of Inside Story aired from Tuesday, July 7, 2009.