Bush, Putin Seek Unity About Terror War

Though their political relationship is strained, President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin are trying to speak with one voice about the war on terror and the campaign to stop North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Bush greeted Putin, saying "Hey Vladimir. How are you? Looking good."

Bush and Putin have generally agreed on a need to avert the spread of nuclear weapons technology to other nations, including North Korea. Russia is a partner with the United States, China, Japan and South Korea in talks aimed at persuading North Korea to halt its nuclear program in return for energy and security guarantees.

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP121606.htm

Hounded at home over Iraq, U.S. President George W. Bush pressed on with his foreign policy agenda on Friday in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he has had strained relations this year.

"Hey Vladimir, how are you? It's good to see you," Bush told Putin at a Pusan hotel before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. "I always enjoy a chance to have a good discussion with you."

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U.S. officials did not have immediate details of what Bush talked about with Putin, but the president is eager for unity among the five nations engaged in negotiations with North Korea -- the United States, South Korea, Japan, Russia and China -- to try to convince Pyongyang to agree to dismantle its nuclear arms programmes.

"We value your advice, and we value the strategic relationship we've built," Bush told Putin, who hailed the "permanent contacts on almost all bilateral and international issues" between the two governments.

Aides said Bush, in his fifth meeting with Putin this year, would discuss Iran's nuclear programme, Moscow's bid to join the World Trade Organisation and Russia's internal situation.