US President George W. Bush said Monday that he will keep "good relationship" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Addressing the end-of-year news conference, Bush defended his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that "The relationship's an important relationship and I would call the relationship a good relationship."

Bush said that he has talked with Putin about getting Russia admitted to the World Trade Organization.

On Iraqi issues, Bush reiterated that Iraqi elections, scheduled for Jan.30, will be held as planned despite increasing deadly violence like twin car bombings that killed at least 64 people over the weekend.

"The elections in January are the beginning of a process and itis important for the American people to understand that," Bush said.

Source: Xinhua