In his quest to restore relations with Russia, President Obama focused first on security issues like disarmament and Iran. But with an arms control treaty signed and sanctions against Tehran approved, Mr. Obama hopes this week to open a new phase intended to build the robust economic relationship that has eluded his predecessors.

At Mr. Obama's invitation, President Dmitri A. Medvedev traveled to the United States on Tuesday, stopping first in California to woo Silicon Valley technology companies to help build his own Russian center of innovation. On Thursday, the two presidents will meet at the White House to discuss expanding trade and investment.

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