    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [June 8, 2004]
    [Pages 1012-1013]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With President Vladimir Putin of Russia at Sea Island
    June 8, 2004

        President Bush. I always enjoy talking to my friend Vladimir Putin.
    He's a strong leader who cares deeply about the people of his country
    and understands the issues that we face. We just had a long discussion
    about a variety of issues. And I had the opportunity to thank him for
    working together on important issues such as the United Nations Security
    Council resolution.
        The vote today in the United Nations Security Council was a great
    victory for the Iraqi people. The international community showed that
    they stand side by side with the Iraqi people. The U.N. Security Council
    resolution supports the interim government, supports free elections, and
    supports the multinational force. America supports strongly the idea of
    a free society in the midst of hatred and intolerance, and I appreciate
    your help, Vladimir, on getting that Security Council resolution through
    today.
        It is my honor to welcome Vladimir to
    Georgia, and it is my pleasure to continue to work with you as we make
    sure our relations are as close as they possibly can be.
        President Putin. Thank you. First of all, I would like to thank the
    U.S. President for having invited me to such a wonderful place. Indeed,
    we had a very thorough discussion which pertained to virtually the
    entire spectrum of the U.S.-Russia relationship.
        I have congratulated the U.S. President with the positive change
    currently underway with the U.S. economy, which has to be acknowledged
    as his merit. And this happens with the background of the unreasonable
    growth for costs and pricing for the energy resources. We're all
    interested in these positive changes, because in the contemporary world
    of today, when we live, it is important for all of us that the U.S.
    economy improves--for the entire world, for Russia included.
        I'd like to point out the fact that our relationship has been
    developing all across the board, including such sensitive areas as the
    military cooperation.
        Now, as regards the adoption of the United Nations Security Council
    resolution, without any exaggeration I would state that it is a major
    step forward. And I hope I will express the view which is held by all
    members of the Security Council that, indeed, we have witnessed a very
    constructive dialog which was in progress over the past few days in this
    area. And this is not

    [[Page 1013]]

    about passing a new document in the Security Council regarding Iraq.
    This is about a quality change in the status in Iraq and with regards to
    the presence of the military troops there. This is about a quality
    change of the impact the United Nations have over the situation in Iraq.
    Naturally, it will take quite a long time before this adoption of the
    document will have any impact on the real change on the ground in Iraq.
        But we can convincingly and comfortably state that the situation is
    ripe for adopting such a serious and such a concrete document concerning
    this country. If prior to this document it was primarily the burden and
    the responsibility which was upheld by the United States with regards to
    this country, it seems now it will be the Iraqi government themselves
    who will have the whole spectrum of the sovereignty rights which will be
    enjoyed by them, with a major influence now to be exercised by the
    entire world community with regards to the situation in that country.
        Therefore on this occasion, I would like to congratulate the U.S.
    President with this achievement and to express our wish that the
    situation is going to be changing in a better way there.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:41 p.m. at Dunbar House. President Putin
    spoke in Russian, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter.