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Mr Putin said he wanted to talk with the US President on the anniversary of the attacks. He said: “In Russia, they say that time cures, but we cannot forget. We must not forget. Recently we commemorated those who were killed in a string of blasts in apartment buildings in Moscow three years ago.

“And today we are also remembering those who died in Washington and New York a year ago.

“On this day I wish to say words of condolence to you, to express not only sympathy, but also the support of the Russian people for the American people.”

Mr Bush stressed that Mr Putin was the first head of state to telephone him on the tragic day a year before. Mr Bush said it was significant that today, too, on the day of remembrance, the Russian leader was again the first to convey words of sympathy and support to the American people.

Today, President Putin also sent his American colleague a message regarding the first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. The message said:

“The tragedy of September 11 in New York and Washington resounds painfully in the hearts of millions of Russians even now, a year later. On the day of remembrance for the thousands of its innocent victims, we are mourning together with the American people and paying tribute to their courage and strength displayed in the face of that appalling attack.

”The events of September 11 caused the global community to profoundly reassess the approaches to many global processes of our time. All who cherish peace and stability in actions, rather than in words, demonstrated an unprecedented degree of solidarity by rallying together in the struggle against terrorism. Solid results were achieved over the past year. A massive strike was inflicted on the terrorist bases in Afghanistan, and counter-terrorist efforts intensified in other regions.

“The relations between our countries were and remain a major component of the modern system of strategic security and the key link in the counter-terrorist campaign. Russia and the US persuasively demonstrated to the entire world the ability to build constructive and predictable ties based on common values and respect for each other's national interests.

“The jointly chosen path is opening up new opportunities for us. Important points now are not to slow down the current pace of cooperation, to prevent unnecessary irritants from emerging, and to together move towards new frontiers. Lying ahead is the important job of ratifying and implementing the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty and tackling other aims of strengthening strategic stability, including non-proliferation.

“Concrete steps need to be taken in economic dialogue, including in the energy sphere. A great deal remains to be done to intensify scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

“I am sure that forging Russian-American relations in the spirit of constructive partnership will contribute to consolidating the efforts of the entire global community in the struggle against new threats and challenges. Our common goal is to eradicate any forms of support for and involvement with terrorism on the part of sovereign states and public organisations.

“On this sad date, on behalf of all Russians, I would like to express my most sincere sympathy and reaffirm the support and solidarity with the American people.”