Russian President-elect Dmitry Medvedev, at 42 probably the youngest leader Russia has had since the days of the czars, looked slightly uncomfortable and uncertain ... and below ..
"It seems like there's a lot of interest in you, Mr. President-Elect," Bush said, quipping. "You've attracted a lot of cameras."
At this, Medvedev appeared to regain whatever might have been lost of his composure, replying: "It's not surprising," he said.
"We agreed today that the United States and Russia want to create a system for responding to potential missile threats in which Russia and the United States and Europe will participate as equal partners," Mr Bush said.
"This is a powerful and important strategic vision."
Measures to ensure transparency and confidence-building would address Russian concerns, he added.
Mr Bush said he supported Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization, and favoured removing the Jackson-Vanik amendment, tying trade relations to human rights issues.
Mr Putin said he welcomed US willingness to hear and discuss Russian questions about missile defence.