President Bush is relaxing at his family's estate in the northeastern U.S. coastal state of Maine, as he awaits the visit of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Putin is due to arrive Sunday afternoon for discussions on missile defense, the future of Kosovo, Iran's nuclear ambitions and other issues - both contentious and light-hearted.
Mr. Bush's father, former president George H.W. Bush, will not be involved in the formal talks. But he is expected to join his son and Mr. Putin when they go boating in the choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean near the family compound at Kennebunkport.
Relations between the United States and Russia are strong, but the two leaders disagree on many issues. Aides to Mr. Bush have described this as a chance for him and Mr. Putin to find common ground in a setting that is less formal and more relaxed.
Heavy security is in place for their get-together, which will end on Monday.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.