Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the work of the visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has helped improve Russian-US relations which he hopes will be strengthened by her visit to Moscow, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

　　Putin told Rice in talks at the Kremlin that with her direct participation "relations between Russia and the United States have achieved the high level where they are now."

　　He said he hoped the two countries would continue to work on a wider and stronger relationship.

　　Putin now expects US President George W. Bush in Moscow for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9, during which the two presidents will hold a series of talks, Putin said.

　　Rice said Bush is preparing for his meeting with Putin and that the US would like to see a Russia that continues to develop confidently, promotes democratic reforms and strengthens the rule of law.

　　Putin and Rice also discussed regional stability, the fight against terrorism and the economic development of their respective countries.