NATO acknowledges Russia's immense role in fight against terror, Bush says

U.S. President says NATO acknowledges Russia's immense role in the fight against terror.

At the opening of his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, George W. Bush said: "What took place in Prague [at the NATO summit] is very good for Russia". He believes that Russia-NATO relations will constantly improve.

Bush thanked Putin for the warm welcome in St Petersburg and said he would come to Russia again next spring.

U.S. President also said he had brought from Prague "a big warm hello" for Vladimir Putin from his "very close friends" British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi.

Bush said that he believed the discussion of international affairs should be preceded by discussing bilateral relations and the ways "to enhance our friendship".