BUSAN (South Korea), November 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President George W. Bush held a bilateral meeting ahead of a summit of leaders from the Pacific Rim, which will begin in the South Korean city of Busan Friday.
"It is nice to see you here in Korea before the summit," Putin told the American leader. "You have been in the region for some time already and can give me an update on what is happening here."
Putin told his American counterpart that he had the impression he had never left some members of the U.S. delegation, as he and Bush have met regularly since they assumed office. Bush praised relations with Russia, saying he appreciated Russian partners' advice.
In addition, the two leaders talked about international terrorism.
"The presidents of Russia and the United States focused on joint efforts against international terrorism," Sergei Prikhodko, the Russian president's aide, told reporters. "They emphasized the importance of practical cooperation in the sphere."
