Russia and the United States face numerous dangers and challenges that demand cooperation. Neither country wants to see the victory of extremism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, or the intensification of regional conflicts spreading instability and violence.

It is worth noting - especially this year, the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries — that we not only share common interests but, to a greater degree than some are willing to acknowledge, we share values. There have been, to put it mildly, ups and downs in our relations over the past 200 years. Russia supported the American colonies in the Revolutionary War. During World War II, we were allies, though we later became bitter rivals in the Cold War. Yet even in the darkest times, we managed to find pragmatic ways to avoid disaster for our countries and for mankind. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, US-Russian relations have been fundamentally transformed, and now we work closely together in ways that could not have been contemplated 15 or 20 years ago. As a Russian ambassador to the US, I see unease in our relationship.

Times were hard during the Cold War, but paradoxically, it is no less difficult now to be partners and friends. Russians have a proud tradition of independence, and as much as we respect the US and the American way of life, we cannot let others decide our domestic and foreign policies. American media and think-tanks like to criticise Moscow for being out of step with the US on a number of important international matters — including, most acutely, the Iranian nuclear programme. The essence of the Russian position is that we support the right of Iranians to pursue peaceful nuclear energy and oppose the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Most important, we believe that the solution should be reached through negotiations with Tehran and not through isolation or confrontation. As for Iraq, I hope many still remember our advice to the US four years ago. What offends us is the view shared by some in Washington that Russia can be used when it is needed and discarded or even abused when it is not relevant to American objectives.

Russians do not need any special favours or assistance from the US, but we do require respect in order to build a two-way relationship. And we expect that our political interests will be recognised. It has been many years since the US and Russia ceased to be enemies, yet we are not quite allies.

Scolding and wrangling with each other is regrettably easier nowadays than doing something positive. We must learn to be friends and to cooperate in today’s world. This requires give and take. Both countries must leave aside old habits and stereotypes and, more important, not create new ones. We must work hand in hand for the security and prosperity of our citizens. The alternative — each going our separate ways in dealing with the great challenges today — is too dangerous to contemplate. — The Christian Science Monitor