Busan, South Korea ? Glossing over differences straining their political relationship, President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted each other warmly today in talks expected to emphasize cooperation in the war on terror and the campaign to stop North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

The two leaders apparently were still at odds over how to address Iran’s nuclear program. There also were long-running differences over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and U.S. concern that Russia is retreating from democracy. Exchanging pleasantries, they offered no public remarks on the issues they face.

“Hey Vladimir. How are you? Looking good,” Bush said. “I always enjoy a chance to have a good discussion with you. You’re right. We’ve got a very important relationship. We value your advice.”

Bush asked Putin if he wanted to address reporters. Putin said he did not. Bush shrugged and said, “OK, me neither.” The two leaders then retreated to seats out of earshot from reporters.

Today’s meeting was the fifth between Bush and Putin this year, following talks in Moscow; Washington; Bratislava, Slovakia, and Gleneagles, Scotland. Despite their disputes, they’re on a first-name basis and emphasize their friendship, which was strengthened when Putin stepped forward and supported Bush after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin today on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Busan, South Korea.

Bush and Putin were meeting in a hotel suite before the opening of the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The White House said the key topics would be Iran, North Korea, terrorism, trade, Moscow’s goal of joining the World Trade Organization by the end of the year and developments in Russia.

Putin has refused to support Bush in the president’s eagerness to go to the U.N. Security Council with suspicions Iran is trying to build a nuclear arsenal. Over U.S. objections, Russia is building a nuclear reactor for a power plant in Iran, an $800 million project the United States fears could be used to help develop nuclear arms.

Putin says that he shares the U.S. goal of an Iran without nuclear arms but that he has been assured Tehran has no ambitions for developing a nuclear weapon and instead wants its program for civilian energy use alone.

Bush and Putin have generally agreed on a need to avert the spread of nuclear weapons technology to other nations, including North Korea.