The U.S. and Russian Presidents, Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, said in a joint statement released after meeting in London on April 1, that “significant differences” remained between the two countries on the August war.

“Although we disagree about the causes and sequence of the military actions of last August, we agreed that we must continue efforts toward a peaceful and lasting solution to the unstable situation today,” the statement reads.

“Bearing in mind that significant differences remain between us, we nonetheless stress the importance of last year’s six-point accord of August 12, the September 8 agreement, and other relevant agreements, and pursuing effective cooperation in the Geneva discussions to bring stability to the region.”

Grigol Vashadze, the Georgian foreign minister, welcomed a reference to Georgia in the statement as a demonstration of bipartisan support Georgia had in the United States.

“The joint statement is a clear confirmation of one fact – policy of the United State in respect of Georgia is bipartisan. The Georgia-U.S. relations are based on values and these values are never betrayed by an U.S. administration. The fact that the joint statement reflects clear differences over the August war, demonstrates this trend,” he told journalists.

“Of course Georgia is glad when Russia is told as often as possible several important truths – that it was Russia, which started the war; Russia is trying to seize a sovereign territory of Georgia; Russia has failed to meet its commitments under the six-point accord – and it is very important that the United States has done that,” Vashadze added.

The joint statement by the U.S. and Russian Presidents also says that they “are ready to move beyond Cold War mentalities and chart a fresh start in relations between our two countries.”

“In just a few months we have worked hard to establish a new tone in our relations. Now it is time to get down to business and translate our warm words into actual achievements of benefit to Russia, the United States, and all those around the world interested in peace and prosperity.”