Russia`s foreign policy looks into future towards innovative development.

PALO ALTO, California, June 24 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia's foreign policy
is looking into the future and should create conditions for innovative and
technological development of the country, President Dmitry Medvedev said
at Stanford University.
Russia is determined to defend its interests in the international
arena but is also prepared for compromises with partners, the president
said.
"Our foreign policy will be clear and consistent. Firmness and
sometimes toughness in defending our interests should be combined with
openness and readiness to make compromises with those who cooperate with
us on the principles of equality and respect for international law,"
Medvedev said.
Russia is seeking to be "an open country ready for partnership with
all who are ready to work with us," he said.
"Any grudges, including the old ones, lead to self-isolation," the
president said, adding that Russia would work together with other
countries in dealing with modern threats and challenges.
"Russia is seeking to be an open country, open to partnership,
investments and joint projects," he said.
He invited American specialists to cooperate with Russia, including
in the creation of the innovations centre Skolkovo outside Moscow.
Medvedev stressed that Russia was ready to improve its political
system but without being lectured from the outside.
"We are not insured against mistakes and are ready to improve our
political system. Naturally, we are going to do that on our own, that is
without homilies from the outside," he said.
"This applies not only to the party system, but also to all other
political and government institutions, including the judiciary," he said.
"My task as president is to raise the authority of court as much as
possible, and on that basis create a functioning judicial system trusted
by people," he added.
Medvedev also stressed the need to cerate such conditions in Russia
that would allow any person wiling to work to succeed.
"We are trying to become a country of new opportunities," he said. "I
see my task in making anyone feel and believe that if he works hard, if he
is ready to change the world around him while acting by law, every person
will have a chance to succeed. This is our policy. This is my policy,"
Medvedev said.