Putin Proposes Broader Cooperation on Missile Defense

Bush called Putin's proposal "very constructive and bold" and said he is "in strong agreement" with it in principle. But he was not willing to give up plans to install systems in Poland and the Czech Republic. "I think it's very sincere, I think it's innovative, I think it's strategic," Bush said of Putin's proposal. "But as I told Vladimir, I think that the Czech Republic and Poland need to be an integral part of the system."

National security adviser Stephen J. Hadley later called Putin's proposal a "very interesting shift, and some real progress on this issue." But the two nations have tried and failed to coordinate missile defense efforts for years. In 1998, Presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin announced an agreement to build a joint early-warning center in Moscow like the one Putin mentioned Monday. Under the plan, Americans and Russians would share satellite data to avoid false alarms over missile launches. The idea was reaffirmed by Bush and Putin. Nearly a decade later, the center has not been established, a victim of squabbles over politics and legal liability.

Bush and Putin also discussed other issues that have challenged the relationship, including how to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear program and whether the Serbian province of Kosovo should be granted independence. Aides said they also talked about the presidential elections in both countries next year, but they declined to elaborate.

Over their two days here together, the presidents sometimes had meetings joined by top advisers, but they also had a lot of time one-on-one. George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush hosted a lobster and swordfish dinner Sunday night that included first lady Laura Bush as well as Rice, Hadley and their Russian counterparts. And the elder Bush took the two presidents fishing Monday, racing along as fast as 64 mph in his speedboat off the rocky coast.

"It was a very human visit," the former president said on his lawn as reporters awaited his son and the Russian leader. "He had his Labrador with him and threw a stick into the sea. . . . We wanted to make him feel at home here."

Putin reciprocated, saying he appreciated the "warm, homey atmosphere." As a gift, Bush gave Putin a Segway transporter, and he reportedly gave it a try. The former president and first lady own three Segways and regularly zip around their sprawling property on them. A sign at the entrance to Walker's Point reads: "Caution. President on Segway. Slow Down."

The Bushes also gave Putin the chance to catch his first fish off the Maine coast, a 30-inch striped bass. In keeping with Bush custom, Putin threw it back. Bush praised his counterpart for his angling skills when they met reporters, and Putin tried to share credit.

"We caught one fish," Putin said, "but that was a team effort."

Bush laughed. "Very thoughtful of you," he said.