Bratislava, Slovakia, Feb 24, SPA -- U.S. President George W. Bushis urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to reverseMoscow's recent retreat from democratic reforms, whileseeking to refresh his "close relationship" with hisRussian counterpart. Closing out a European goodwill tour, Bush was meetingPutin on Thursday in this snow blanketed capital ofSlovakia, once part of the Soviet bloc. Both leaders are walking a fine line, wanting to air theirgrievances without undercutting generally improvedrelations between the old Cold War nuclear rivals who arenow cooperating closely in the war on terror. High on the agenda are U.S. concerns over Putin's moves tosolidify his power and to clamp down on civil and pressliberties. Also drawing U.S. alarm are Putin's attempts toinfluence elections in Ukraine and Russia's close ties toIran. "I look forward to talking to him about his decision-making process," Bush told a group of youngGerman business leaders Wednesday in Mainz, Germany. Hesaid he was particularly concerned about Putin's curbs onpress freedoms. "It's a complex relationship," Bush's national securityadviser, Stephen Hadley, said of the U.S.-Russian dynamic.Democracy in Russia remains "a work in progress," Hadleytold reporters ahead of Thursday's summit. "A free and democratic Russia is better for Russia. It'sbetter for us," Hadley said. In the 21st century, he said,Russia will gain strength "through democratic structure.And hopefully that's something they will understand aswell." Bush arrived here before Putin. He and his wife Laurastepped from Air Force One late Wednesday to a red-carpetwelcome, with a military brass band playing the anthems ofboth nations. Bush was greeted by both Slovakian President IvanGasparovic and Prime Minister Makulas Dzurinda. Dzurindalater told Slovak state television that the decision tohold the summit in his country was "proof that Slovakiaenjoys the confidence of both the United States andRussia." Before his talks with Putin at the medieval BratislavaCastle, Bush will meet privately with Gasparovic andDzurinda and address Slovaks from a snowy square indowntown Bratislava. Putin was arriving later today.--SPA1158 Local Time 0858 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/241957