Bush is attending the November 18-19 APEC summit in Hanoi. At first Moscow stop was planned for refuelling but Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Bush and his wife for a social visit during the stop.

The meeting would be a chance for both countries to improve their frayed ties. Bush and Putin were once close but their relationship has become strained over U.S. criticisms of Russia’s crackdown on democratic freedoms and Russian opposition to the Iraq war and what it sees as an overly aggressive U.S. foreign policy.

Washington is seeking Russia’s backing for a tougher line against both Iran and North Korea on their nuclear weapons programs. Meanwhile, Russia wants U.S. support for its bid to join the World Trade Organization.

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