Medvedev: New technologies would open access

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says his country is open for business and welcomes new partnerships with the West.

Medvedev made his remarks Wednesday at Stanford University after a daylong tour of Silicon Valley, where he met with high-tech business leaders.

The president has said he wants to bring more high-tech innovation to Russia's oil-dependent economy and create the country's own version of Silicon Valley outside Moscow.

Medvedev said investments in new technologies would limit government interference in business and personal affairs, and give the Russian people better access to information.

He said to support growing business opportunities, Russia also needs to create a strong financial system and a reliable court system, and reform its education and health care systems.