WASHINGTON, May 5 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States said on Thursday that it has good relations with Russia just one day before US President George W. Bush is due to start his trip to Latvia, Russia, Georgia and Netherlands.

    "Russia is someone who we have good relations with, we have a good strategic relationship with Russia. We work very closely with Russia in a number of areas, whether it's trade, economic issues, or our cooperation in the global war on terrorism and our cooperation on stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The president looks forward to meeting with President (Vladimir) Putin," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a briefing.

    Bush will leave for Riga, Latvia on Friday and there he will meet the leaders of the three Baltic nations that formally joined the NATO last year.

    On May 8, Bush will be in the Netherlands and will travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday evening.On May 9, he will attend World War II anniversary ceremonies organized by Russia. Enditem