Putin Calls for Mars Cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed the joint exploration of Mars during Powell's visit to Moscow.

Putin asked Powell to present his congratulations to George W. Bush regarding recent American successes in this field, and emphasized that Russia had met with enthusiasm the "ambitious plans" of the USA with regard to the exploration of the red planet. Putin expressed hope for close cooperation of the two countries in this field, NTV television reported.