Official website of the President of Russia

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President Vladimir Putin: Mr President, allow me to welcome you cordially in Moscow. I’d like to thank for having decided to visit Moscow to participate in the 60th Anniversary of the end of the World War II giving confirmation by that fact to the main role played by the United States, the Soviet Union, Russia, in the Victory over nazism.

Tomorrow we will be pleased to receive other guests but the visit by the President of the United States is of special importance. On top of that, even today we enjoy a very large volume of cooperation between our countries. And I hope this cooperation will be hopeful to us in tackling our domestic problems in both countries. And I know that fact that you are currently confronting with main tasks which respect to the social sphere. So if we are very positive in tackling those energy related and security related questions that will be very helpful in tackling the problems which are confronted by people in our countries.

Besides, I recently visited the Middle East. Therefore, in the conversation with you today I’d like to compare the notes regarding the current state of the Middle East.

GEORGE W.BUSH: Vladimir, I thank you for having me. It’s such an honour to be here. Right here the President welcomed me and Laura two years ago. It’s great to be back.

I am looking forward to this celebration tomorrow. It is a moment when the world will recognize the great bravery and sacrifice of Russian people made in the defeat of Nazism. The people of Russia suffered incredible, hardship and the Russian spirit never died out.

I equally thank for you invited me for a dinner tonight. And having been offered your meals before I am looking forward to this one a lot.

Vladimir Putin: Recently I took a look at a coverage of your meeting with the press. And I could see how Laura could attack you sometimes. So, I think, we shall have a good chance to protect you.

GEORGE W.BUSH: She is quiet a comedian.

I am looking Russia as a great nation and I am looking forward to work on and to get on big problems. And I want to thank for your work on Iran and the Middle East. There is a lot what we do together.

So thank you for having us.