Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama and visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged cooperation on stronger economic ties Thursday, announcing a deal for Russia to again accept U.S. poultry exports and touting U.S. support for Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization. During a busy day that included White House talks, a joint news conference and participation in a U.S.-Russia business council meeting, the two presidents repeatedly cited strengthening relations between their countries after what Obama called a "drift" under the previous administration. Faced with the continuing struggle to recover from the global economic recession, nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, terrorism threats and other major issues, Obama and Medvedev said the world needed a strong U.S.-Russian relationship in the 21st century.

Last year, Obama made another unscheduled lunch stop at the restaurant with

OPTIONS:
- Barack Obama.
- CNN.
- Clinton.
- Dmitry Medvedev.
- Iran.
- Joe Biden.
- Medvedev.
- North Korea.
- Obama.
- Russia.
- Russian.
- U.S..
- Washington.
- White House.
- World Trade Organization.


Joe Biden.