    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [May 8, 2005]
    [Pages 775-776]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Vladimir Putin of Russia in Moscow, Russia
    May 8, 2005

        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

    [[Page 776]]

    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 2 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 comedienne.
    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.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 7:45 p.m. at Novo Ogarevo,
    the Putins's residence in Moscow.