Putin, Bush hold final official meeting

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-06-2008 12:02

US President George W. Bush is in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for the last scheduled round of talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Bush's visit is aimed at defusing tension over issues like NATO expansion and missile defense.

President George W. Bush (L) and his Russian counterpart  Vladimir Putin watch the sunset at the Bocharov Ruchei  residence at the Black Sea in Sochi April 5, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Saturday's summit in Sochi was the 28th meeting between Presidents Bush and Putin in seven years.

It's also believed to be Bush's final official meeting with Putin, who will step down as president in May.

Issues including a proposed missile defense shield, Kosovo's independence and NATO expansion were on the agenda.

While Bush was still travelling to Sochi, the White House had said dialogue on US plans for a missile defense shield in eastern Europe was headed in the right direction. But it acknowledged that more work would be needed after this summit before a compromise deal is finalized.

Putin vigorously opposes US plans to deploy a missile defense system in Europe, saying it would threaten Russia's territory.

The White House said the two leaders were expected to sign an agreement in Sochi on the "strategic framework of US-Russian relations."

Observers say the document is designed to encapsulate the legacy they will bequeath to their successors.

Editor:Zhang Ning