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Skriven 2005-05-08 23:33:10 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0505085) for Sun, 2005 May 8
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President Welcomed to Russia by President Vladimir Putin
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 8, 2005

President Welcomed to Russia by President Vladimir Putin
Putin Residence
Moscow, Russia



PRESIDENT PUTIN: Mr. President, allow me to cordially welcome you to
Moscow. I'd like to thank you for having decided to visit Moscow to
participate in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World
War II, giving confirmation by that fact to the immense role played by the
United States, Soviet Union and Russian Federation in the victory over
Nazism.

Tomorrow we'll be pleased to receive our guests of ours. But the visit by
the President of the United States is of special importance. On top of
that, even today, we've enjoyed a very large volume of cooperation between
our countries. And I hope that this cooperation will be helpful to us in
addressing our domestic problems in both countries.

And I'm aware of the fact that you currently are confronted with immense
tasks with respect to social sphere. (Laughter.) So if we are very positive
in addressing those energy-related and security-related questions, that
will be very helpful in addressing the problems which are confronted by
people in the street in our countries. Besides, I recently visited the
Middle East. Therefore, I'd like in this conversation with you today, to
compare the notes regarding the current state of the Middle East.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Vladimir, thank you for having me. It's such an honor to be
here. This locale where we are is a place where the President welcomed me
and Laura two years ago. And it's great to be back here. I am looking
forward to the celebration tomorrow. It is a moment where the world will
recognize the great bravery and sacrifice the Russian people made in the
defeat of Nazism. The people of Russia suffered incredible hardship, and
yet the Russian spirit never died out.

I'm equally grateful that you would take -- invite me and Laura for dinner
tonight. And having had one of your meals before, I'm looking forward to
this one a lot.

PRESIDENT PUTIN: Recently I took a look at the coverage of your meeting
with the press corps. Well, I could see how Laura attacked you sometimes,
so at today's dinner we will have a chance to protect you. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: She was quite the comedian. But I'm looking forward to --
Russia is a great nation, and I'm looking forward to working on -- together
on big problems. And I want to thank you for your work on Iran and the
Middle East. And there's a lot we can do together. And so thank you for
having us.

END

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