Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President Vladimir Putin of Russia in Kranj

Q. Mr. President, any thoughts about this first meeting? President Putin. First impression? It was a good first impression.

President Bush. I rest my case. [Laughter] We're going to have a very good meeting, and I've been looking forward to this for a long period of time. We find we have a lot in common, and I'm so honored the President came here. I know it's inconvenient to travel such a long distance, Mr. President——

President Putin. We know about the very latest statements of President Bush in Warsaw, and that's a very good foundation for us to proceed.

President Bush. Thank you all.