White House reacts to Putin's bid for presidency

A White House spokesperson told NHK that a change in the Russian presidency would not affect recent improvements in the US-Russia relationship, which the US government believes are in the interests of both countries.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's announcement that he intends to run for president again next year.

US President Barack Obama has made efforts to improve ties with Russia when he took office and relations were at a low point after the Cold War.

Obama has built a friendly relationship with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and signed a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia.

However, US critics are questioning the future of bilateral relations if Putin, who consolidated his power base by confronting the US during his presidency, returns to office next year.