[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
[April 6, 2008]
[Page 471]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to a Meeting With President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia in Sochi, Russia
April 6, 2008

    President Putin. Dear Mr. President, let me once again welcome you 
here in Sochi. I am very pleased that you've accepted this invitation. 
And I'm pleased that after the meeting in Bucharest, you now have the 
opportunity to discuss with me our bilateral relations and security 
issues.
    Yesterday we actually started discussing those issues, and today 
we'll have to--we have the opportunity to discuss this in a calmer 
working manner. And on top of all, I am delighted to show you around 
Sochi, which will be the capital of the Olympic games in 2014.
    Welcome, Mr. President.
    President Bush. Thank you. I, first of all, was most grateful for 
the dinner that you gave last night. Secondly, thank you very much for 
providing fantastic entertainment. I'm only happy that our press corps 
didn't try--see me trying to dance the dance that I was asked to do. 
[Laughter]
    President Putin. We were able to see that you are a brilliant 
dancer. [Laughter]
    President Bush. Yes, well, thank you very much. We'll leave it at 
that, Mr. President. [Laughter]
    I do want to--you know, it's going to be a very interesting meeting. 
This is the final meeting that we will have as Presidents of our 
respective countries. We have met a lot over the past years, and I've 
come to, you know, respect you. I respect the fact that you love your 
country. You've been a strong leader. You're not afraid to tell me 
what's on your mind. And when it's all said and done, we can shake 
hands.
    And so I thank you very much for your wonderful hospitality here. 
Thank you, sir. Yes.

Note: The President spoke at 10:10 a.m. at the Bocharov Ruchei. 
President Putin spoke in Russian, and his remarks were translated by an 
interpreter.