Recent and upcoming nonproliferation activities, events, and announcements involving the CNS center, staff, and programs.

Updated: Jun 24, 2010

President Medvedev Speaks at Stanford, Admires California's Innovative Spirit

During his visit to Northern California, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave a talk at Stanford University on June 23, 2010. Several CNS staff members had a chance to attend the event.

In his speech, Medvedev spoke about the plan to establish a Russian "Silicon Valley" in Skolkovo and outlined his ten-point strategy for Russia, which includes investment in new technologies, improving the health of the nation, improving security in Northern Caucasus, and being "a predictable and reliable actor" in the international arena. President Medvedev seemed to be very impressed by the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Silicon Valley and expressed hope that young innovators would also be able to realize their potential in Russia. Asked about his plans to run for the second term, he demurred that he "does not exclude the option," provided his ideas are being implemented and receive necessary support. At the end of the event, former U.S. Secretaries of State George Shultz and Condoleezza Rice presented President Medvedev with a 1920s Russian/Soviet poster taken from the collection of the Hoover Institute, while Medvedev presented Stanford with a painting of St. Petersburg.

On June 24, President Medvedev is meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington, DC.