U.S. President George W. Bush and Russia's Vladimir Putin began a final effort on Sunday to mend frayed relations face-to-face but with little hope of resolving the biggest dispute that divides them.
In a farewell summit at the Russian president's Black Sea holiday villa, the two leaders - both in the twilight of their terms - will use their personal chemistry to try to bridge differences that have driven ties to a post-Cold War low.
Their two countries are bitterly divided over a U.S. plan for a missile defence shield in eastern Europe and on the eve of Sunday's talks in the resort of Sochi, the White House all but ruled out any deal this weekend.
Opening formal talks in a guesthouse at Putin's villa complex, Bush stressed the personal rapport the two men have built in more than 20 meetings over seven years.
"This is the final meeting we'll have as presidents of our respective countries," Bush said.
"I've come to respect you ... you've been a strong leader, you're not afraid to tell me what's on your mind. And when it's all said and done, we can shake hands."
Bush also held his first substantive talks with Putin's protege and successor, Dmitry Medvedev, who will be sworn in as president on May 7.
"After taking over the post of Russian President, I want to make it so that our relations continue further without pauses, in a constructive spirit," Medvedev told Bush.
"For eight years you and President Putin have done much to develop U.S. and Russian relations. These relations are a key factor in global security," he said.
Bush told Medvedev: "I'm looking forward to getting to know you so we'll be able to work through common problems and find common opportunities."
