Medvedev congratulates Obama on winning Nobel Peace Prize

MOSCOW, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has congratulated his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama on winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

"I think this Nobel Committee decision is evidence of a realistic vision of the dynamics of global development. I hope that it will serve as an additional impetus to our joint work to create a new climate in international politics and promote initiatives of crucial importance for global security," Medvedev said in his congratulatory message to Obama.

"I want to confirm my readiness for further constructive cooperation in developing Russian-U.S. relations on the basis of equality, mutual respect, regard for each other's interests and for the benefits of world peace and stability," he said.

Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Friday, Obama said he felt unworthy to be in the company of previous winners, but that he will accept the award as "a call to action."