Posted on 05/31/2003 12:34:33 PM PDT by HAL9000
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia. May 31 (Interfax-Northwest) - U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon, an Interfax reporter said.Bush, whose plane landed at Pulkovo airport, will take part in the celebration of the city's 300th anniversary and have talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin
What, 15 years ago, Poland and Russia were at loggerheads? Maybe the Bolsheviks had dropped a dime on the Polish Pope. Today, our President shuttles from one to the other.
Amazing times we are living in.
Putin is smart and savvy, and he knows what Russia needs to survive their challenges. But he needs to manage his enemies, and Bush was on board.
These guys have a solid trust. Blair, Howard, Musharaff, Aznar, Italian stallion and Sharon too.
Russia needs to thrive, and Putin needs support and standing among his people and the industry barons.
Bush is sending a signal ... Vlad is an ally. The American President is going to HIS home court and is paying tribute to the importance of Russia. The Russian people will be proud and bolstered by this gesture of respect. We need each other.
Bush handles this aspect of diplomacy flawlessly. He's operating at rarefied levels these days.
It will be interesting to see what somes out of the Bush/Putin meetings.
There is so much potential there. I will take on its face that Dubya once sent signals that he and Vladimir could do business.
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