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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