Cementing what he hopes is more than a warming dialogue between their two nations, a growing personal relationship, President Bush last night introduced President Putin to the joys of life on the ranch - and southern fried catfish.
"Texas says 'howdy' Russian Pres Putin," said one welcoming banner made by local schoolchildren.
Mr Putin, who is also expected to discuss the US campaign in Afghanistan and its missile defence plans, may be disappointed, however. He is reported to have taken horse-riding lessons in anticipation of the visit - unfortunately Mr Bush gets about his 1,600-acre ranch on a golf cart.
The Russian leader was due to arrive with his wife, Lyudmila, at the President's ranch yesterday evening for that quintessential American family occasion, a "sleep-over". Last night they were being fed at a "chuck wagon" barbecue to the sound of a dixieland band.
"I can't wait for him to get to see Texas," Mr Bush said on Tuesday after Air Force One landed in Texas. "I made the decision that we would have formal meetings in Washington . . . but it's also very important for him to get to see the finest state of all 50 - at least in my judgment." Crawford, a town with a population of 631 in central Texas close to Waco, normally has one full-time police officer.
"The best diplomacy starts with getting to know each other," Mr Bush said. "I don't think there's a particular moment where a relationship breaks through. Actually, it takes a while. It takes a while to build up the trust necessary for him to know that I intend to keep my word when I say I'm going to do something and vice versa."
Although Tuesday saw a breakthrough on offensive missile numbers, both leaders were hoping to make more progress on missile defence. "I believe that it's too early to draw the line on the discussions," said Mr Putin, who had a full schedule in Washington and Houston before joining Mr Bush again. He leaves Crawford this afternoon and he has set down markers that he still wants a new missile treaty.
"Today the world is far from having international relations based solely on trust, unfortunately," Mr Putin said at the Russian Embassy on Tuesday evening. "That is why it's so important today to rely on the existing foundation of treaties and agreements in the arms control and disarmament area." Enthusing about the US-Russian relationship he even claimed that Russia had helped the US to achieve independence when the Tsar had refused a British request to send troops to assist in putting down the American revolution.
