Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has thanked US President George W. Bush for cooperation during the presidency years, pointing out that their relations were always friendly, frank while being pragmatic.

The Russian government press service reports that Putin and Bush had a telephone talk on Monday on the initiative of the Russian side. During the talk, the Russian Head of Govenrment pointed out a substantial headway made in recent years in trade-and-economic cooperation, as well as active interaction between the sides in the fight against terrorism.

Vladimir Putin also expressed hope that contacts with George W. Bush would be carried on after Mr. Bush quits the presidential office.

Monday is the last day for George W. Bush'' stay in office. Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America on Tuesday.

On Monday, Mr. Bush already said good-byes to a number of world leaders, among them those of Britain, Georgia, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.