Russia's outgoing President Vladimir Putin and his United States counterpart George W. Bush kicked off their last official talks on Sunday in the capacity of presidents in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
The heads of states held talks on Saturday at an informal meeting in Putin's Sochi residence Bocharov Ruchei upon Bush's arrival, Kremlin sources said.
Bush thanked Putin for his host and Saturday's dinner that was accompanied by folk music and dancing, joking he was glad that the press did not see him dancing.
"In fact, we started this work yesterday and we'll continue today, in a quiet regime," Putin said. Bush, in his turn, said that Putin is a "strong leader" who is not afraid to speak his mind freely.
The talks are expected to lay out a roadmap for the future leaders of the two countries to improve and develop bilateral ties that has reached a post-Cold War low due to arrays of disputes.
Putin is to leave office in May when his successor Dmitry Medvedev's inauguration takes place. Bush is to step down next January.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article