Bush, Putin exchange views on bilateral ties
( 2003-06-01 18:40 ) (8)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart George W. Bush held talks here on Sunday for the first time after the Iraq war.

At a joint press conference, Putin said he and Bush have exchanged ratification documents for the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reduction.

It's time for both the United States and Russia to work together to implement the pact, Putin said.

He also said that his meeting with Bush is at a crucial juncture for the world and confirms no change in Russian-US relations.

Russia will continue keeping strategic partnership with the US, Putin said.

The Russian leader also said that he and Bush share views on economic cooperation and improvement of investment conditions, and have common belief that Iraqis should decide their destiny.

Speaking on the same occasion, Bush said he is satisfied that US-Russian bilateral ties have been greatly improved, adding that the endorsement and ratification of the arms reduction treaty reflects strategic partnership between the two countries.

"We are working together to reduce our nuclear arsenal," he said. "We are going to win the war on terror with close cooperation."

Bush said the US and Russia are facing common threats posed by the weapons of mass destruction and should make joint efforts to combat them.

The US president urged Iran to comply with the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.

Bush expressed thanks for Russia's support in ending sanctions on Iraq.

He highlighted Russia's role at the world energy market, noting that the US and Russia will continue their cooperation in this regard.

Bush also invited Putin to visit Camp David in September this year.