2008-04-06 12:57:51 -

- Russian President's Office

State Residence of the President of Russia

Sochi, Russia

11:20 A.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT-ELECT MEDVEDEV: (As translated.) Good afternoon, Mr. President -- we meet again. I would like to once again thank you for warm congratulations on my election. I'm grateful for the congratulations.

President Putin and you, over these last eight

years, have done a lot to advance Russian-U.S. relationship, and the relationship between Russia and the United States is a key factor of international security. When I officially assume my duties, I would like to do my best to keep up that relationship -- our relationship so there will be constructive engagement between us.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you. Look, it seems like there's a lot of interest in you, Mr. President-Elect. You've attracted a lot of cameras. (Laughter.) But I thank you for your kind words. Thank you for meeting with me and my delegation. And I'm looking forward to getting to know you, so we'll be able to work through common problems and find common opportunities.

Thank you, sir.

END 11:21 A.M. (Local)

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