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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 17, 2005

Remarks by President Bush and President Putin of Russia Prior to Meeting

12:16 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT PUTIN: Distinguished Mr. President, allow me to cordially welcome you and your colleagues. And I get impression that with some of your colleagues, I never said goodbye. (Laughter.) And it is very pleasant, indeed, that these colleagues, we've virtually had permanent contacts on almost all bilateral and international issues.

And I'm especially pleased to have this meeting with you here in South Korea. You stayed here for quite a while, and probably will tell me of your impressions.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thanks, Vladimir, for hosting this meeting. I always enjoy a chance to have a good discussion with you. You're right -- we've got a very important relationship. We value your advice, and we value the strategic relationship we've built. So thanks -- thanks again for hosting this.

END 12:19 P.M. (Local)