Washington, July 3 (PTI):

The US is counting on Russia to send a joint "strong message" to Iran over its nuclear programme, President George W Bush said on Monday, with his Russian counterpart hoping the issue could be successfully handled within the framework of the UN Security Council.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a rare summit meeting with Bush at his family resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, said, "So far, we have managed to work (on Iran issue) within the framework of the Security Council, and I think we will continue to be successful on this track."

He said that there have been some positive signals coming out of Tehran that would add substance to the ongoing talks.

"Recently, we have seen some signals coming from Iran with regard to interaction, cooperation with the IAEA. Mr Solana (EU foreign policy chief) also brings us some very -- some positive data and information. I think all of this would contribute to further substantial intercourse on this issue," he added.

For his part, Bush said the two leaders spent a lot of time talking about the issue and reiterating American concerns on Iran, he stressed that he was counting on Moscow to send a "strong message" at the United Nations.

"When Russia and America speaks along the same lines, it tends to have an effect. And therefore, I appreciate very much the Russians' attitude in the United Nations. I have been counting on the Russians' support to send a clear message to the Iranians," Bush said.

"And that message is a strong message...we discussed a variety of ways to continue sending a joint message," Bush said.