Meanwhile, in Moscow, Cold Warriors falling in love, almost

The pact, the first nuclear disarmament agreement between the two powers since January 1993, is expected to set the seal on Russia’s shift to a more pro-Western foreign policy. Putin, who will show Bush around his home town of St Petersburg on Saturday, is seeking vital Western support for Russia’s stumbling economy.

Under the treaty, each country will determine the composition and structure of its strategic offensive weapons within the stipulated limits. The two presidents also signed a joint declaration vowing cooperation on missile defence. ‘‘This is a historic and hopeful day for Russia and the United States, a hopeful day also for the world as a whole,’’ Bush said at joint press conference, after the nationally televised signing ceremony.

‘‘It liquidates the legacy of the Cold War and nuclear confrontation of our countries.’’

Putin hailed a ‘‘completely new quality’’ in Russian relations with the US. ‘‘This is confirmation of our countries’ choice to reduce nuclear arsenals,’’ he said. But he dismissed allegation by Bush that Russian help to Iran in the construction of Bushehr civilian nuclear power plant would enable it to acquire weapons of mass destruction. ‘‘Cooperation between Russia and Iran is not of a character that would undermine the process of non-proliferation,’’ Putin declared.

‘‘Our cooperation as far as energy is concerned focuses exclusively on economic issues.’’ (With Reuters)