The president-elect of Russia, Vladimir Putin said he was ready to go as far as needed to develop better ties between his country and the United States. However, he is willing to do that as long as the relationship between the two is equal.

In a meeting that was closed-door with Tom Donilon, a top security aide for President Barack Obama, Putin discussed different bilateral relations. The two met at Putin’s residence on Friday in Novo-Ogaryovo, just outside of Moscow. The meeting took place just three days before Putin will be inaugurated at the Kremlin.

Putin emphasized in the meeting that he and Russia were set to go as far as possible in developing a relationship on the conditions the U.S. act on principles that are mutually respectful and equal.

Donilon presented Putin with a letter from President Obama that was a multi-page document. The main message of the document was Obama is willing to cooperate with Russia to move forward towards a partnership between Russia and the United States.

Putin’s first official foreign visit after his inauguration will be later in May to the U.S., were he will attend a G8 leaders’ summit and meet with Obama. His second major foreign trip of a major capacity will be at the beginning of June to China.

One of Obama’s top priorities in foreign policy is to “reset” the relationship between the U.S. and Russia. His relationship with the departing Dmitry Medvedev was good. He will now be the new prime minister.