The two Presidents discussed Russian-US joint efforts as co-sponsors of the Middle East peace process. Mr Putin summed up and evaluated his talks with Yasser Arafat, Palestinian Authority head and PLO chairman, and telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Mr Putin and Mr Clinton also discussed current international issues in preparation for a Russia-US summit, due to start in New York City in early September.
Mr Putin thanked Mr Clinton for compassion and for wishing every success to Kursk submarine rescue efforts in the Barents Sea.