Bratislava, Slovakia ? President Bush and Vladimir Putin disputed the course of democracy in Russia on Thursday at a sometimes contentious news conference, even as they cut a new deal to restrict nuclear weapons and agreed to maintain their political partnership.

Putin, saying some lack “full knowledge” and “full understanding” of events in his country, said Russia remained committed to democracy, but it “should not be accompanied by the collapse of the state and the impoverishment of the people.”

Declaring that democracies need the rule of law, protection of minorities, a free press and a viable political opposition, Bush said: “I was able to share my concerns about Russia’s commitment in fulfilling these universal principles.”

“I did so in a constructive and friendly way,” he added.

During the somewhat testy but diplomatic exchanges, Putin said he would “pay due attention” to some of Bush’s suggestions.

“Some other ideas,” he added, winking at Bush, “I will not comment on.”

Meeting in a medieval castle overlooking the icy Danube River, the two presidents came together amid global worry that Putin is becoming more of an autocrat than a democrat.

Bush, meanwhile, is under some pressure to prove that his sweeping call for global liberty applies to friends like Russia and Saudi Arabia as much as to enemies like Iran and North Korea.

As they wrap up a day of meetings, President Bush, right, and Russia's President Vladimir Putin arrive for a joint news conference in Bratislava, Slovakia. Seeking common ground with a former Cold War enemy that is now a key anti-terror partner, Bush said Thursday the two leaders stressed agreements over differences.

Bush and Putin agreed that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, but disagreed about the purposes of Iran’s nuclear energy program — one Russia is assisting.

The two leaders also were unable to resolve the question of Russian missile sales to Syria.

The two men trumpeted their new security agreement designed to keep nukes away from terrorists. The deal would upgrade security at Russian nuclear plants and develop new procedures for responding to possible attacks.

Another agreement places new restrictions on shoulder-fired missiles. In addition, Bush said he would continue to support Russian entry into the World Trade Organization, and accepted a May 9 invitation to visit Moscow for the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s final victory over Nazi Germany.