EXCERPTS: Obama's speech to Moscow students

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The following are key excerpts from the speech by U.S. President Barack Obama to graduating students of the New Economic School in Moscow on Tuesday. The text was provided by the White House.

OBAMA ON RUSSIA'S HERITAGE

"I speak to you today with deep respect for Russia's timeless heritage. Russian writers have helped us understand the complexities of the human experience, and recognize eternal truths.

"Indeed, Russia's heritage has touched every corner of the world, and speaks to the humanity that we share. That includes my own country, which has been blessed with Russian immigrants, for decades we've been enriched by Russian culture, and enhanced by Russian cooperation.

ON RUSSIA'S FUTURE

"To begin with, let me be clear: America wants a strong, peaceful, and prosperous Russia.

"As President John Kennedy said, "no nation in the history of battle ever suffered more than the Soviet Union in the Second World War."

"So as we honor this past, we also recognize the future benefit that will come from a strong and vibrant Russia."

ON NUCLEAR ARMS PROLIFERATION