During their talk the two heads of state discussed Russian-American cooperation in light of the Ljubljana summit, which, as both parties agreed, gave a positive impetus to bilateral relations and helped to improve the climate of confidence in international affairs.
As early practical steps to develop the “spirit of Ljubljana,” Mr Putin and Mr Bush reaffirmed their agreement to hold a bilateral meeting in the framework of the G8 Summit in Genoa, to organise visits to Moscow before the end of this month by the US President’s National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of the Treasury Paul O’Neil and Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans.
The Russian head of state also sent George Bush a message of greetings, which reads in part:
“I have good memories of our meeting in Ljubljana, and of the frank and friendly character of our talks. I think it marked a very successful start of our dialogue. I look forward to further mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our countries and peoples.
“I am sure that the forthcoming meeting in Genoa will be interesting and productive and provide a good sequel to the dialogue initiated in Ljubljana.”