Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived Sunday afternoon in Portsmouth, a short helicopter trip from Kennebunkport, Maine where U.S. President George W. Bush will treat him and talk about easing tense relations between the two countries.

In his two-day visit, Putin and Bush are expected to talk about issues of the Middle East, Iran's nuclear ambitions, missile defense, the future of Kosovo and a civilian nuclear reactor cooperation initiative in addition to bilateral relations.

Washington-Moscow relations have been at odds due to, among others, Bush's insistence on establishing an anti-missile shield in East Europe.

Washington said the shield was designed to intercept missiles fired against it from the central or Far East.

Russia strongly opposes the system, saying it threatens security of Russia. It also has accused Washington of raising a new arms race in the region, which Washington denies.

Source: Xinhua