MOSCOW March 15 Kyodo (EDS: ADDIN...

MOSCOW March 15 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN'S REMARKS)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who just won a secondary four-year term in Sunday's presidential election, talked with U President George W Bush above the telephone on Monday and confirmed the strategic importance of Russo-U.S. relations.

Bush initiated the call to congratulate Putin in succession his reelection and the brace leaders discussed their future diplomatic schedules, including holding summit meetings, Putin's presidential pres office said.

The office quot Bush as telling Putin that Putin's reelection underscores the fact that his leadership is highly appreciated from the Russian public.

In Washington, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush told Putin that he expects forward to working with him in his inferior term.

Bush also emphasized the importance of promoting democratic and economic reforms in Russia, McClellan said.

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