Posted on 07/06/2009 11:30:59 PM PDT by pobeda1945
MOSCOW, July 7 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. President Barack Obama began his first meeting with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday morning at the Russian prime minister's country residence outside Moscow.
Obama, on his first visit to Russia since becoming president, held extensive talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday, resulting in a framework agreement for a new strategic arms reduction treaty.
After exchanging pleasantries, Putin told Obama that Russia is hoping for better relations with the U.S., following the disagreements that arose with the previous administration. "We link your name with our hopes for the development of Russian-U.S. relations," he said.
Obama told Putin: "I am aware of the extraordinary work you have done as president in previous years and in your current role as prime minister," and said the meeting provides an opportunity to "put U.S.-Russian relations on a much stronger basis."
Putin consistently maintained friendly personal ties with Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush, which persisted despite strains in bilateral tries, including over arms control, NATO expansion, and U.S. missile defense plans for Europe.
Putin earlier said Russia is ready for effective cooperation with the new U.S. administration, and that he wanted to hear the U.S. view on tackling the economic crisis, as a large part of Russia's currency reserves is held in U.S. dollars.
Obama said on Monday that he believed the Medvedev-Putin tandem was working effectively. "My strong impression is that President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin are working very effectively together and our interest is in working together with the Russian government as a whole in order to achieve the improved bilateral relationship that I think can be accomplished," he said at a joint news conference after talks with Medvedev.
P.U.
“(and looks into his eyes)”
-The “Love Boat” theme starts to play in the background....
I’m pretty sure Putin could incapacitate him with his bare hands.
Yeah, right. And Putin was a good friend of GWB's, too. Obozo better learn fast not to listen to what the Russians say, because they'll say anything. It's what they do that matters.
LOL
Sometime Barry is going to wake up sweating remembering that moment, then he’ll summon one of Michelles’ 20 servants to bring him ice cream.
Did he bow and kiss his ring?
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