President Clinton leaves today for a week-long trip to Europe during which he will discuss the possibility of a new nuclear arms reduction treaty in his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
But the talks are unlikely to overcome Russia's opposition to the US wish to modify the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty (ABM) so that it can deploy a limited national missile defence system. Mr Clinton is due to make a decision on deployment before he leaves office.
With time running out for his Presidency, Mr Clinton is anxious to bolster his foreign policy legacy with this trip.
The President will begin his European trip in Portugal where he will attend an EU-US summit. Then he will travel to Germany where he will receive the Charlemagne Prize awarded to leaders who have made major contributions to European unity and world peace.
Mr Clinton will make a major foreign policy address when he receives the prize in Aachen. He will also attend a conference on the so-called "Third Way" form of government attended by 15 other heads of state from four continents.
In discussions with the EU Portuguese Presidency and the EU Commission President, Mr Romano Prodi, the US will raise security and trade issues. Mr Clinton will urge the EU to devote more effort to the goal of the integration of South-East Europe so that the situation in the Balkans will become more stable.
Another issue of major interest to the US is the move of the EU towards a European Security and Defence Policy. The US, while favouring such a development, is anxious that it will not weaken the cohesion of NATO. The US move towards a national missile defence system is likely to be raised as there are European fears that this could put pressure on some countries to strengthen their nuclear weapons and discourage Russia from making further reductions in its nuclear warheads.
On the economic front, the continuing disputes over beef and bananas between the EU and the US will be raised. The Americans will also express their concern over European subsidies for the Airbus and their effect on its Boeing competitor.
In his meeting with Chancellor Schroder of Germany, President Clinton will raise the unusual issue of parental custody. This will reflect the growing campaign in the US against what is seen as the unfair German laws depriving foreign spouses of access to their children following divorce. In his summit meeting with President Putin, Mr Clinton is hoping to reach an agreement on the destruction of 34 tons of military grade plutonium by both sides.
In other areas, President Clinton will urge Russia to press ahead with economic reforms and also urge respect for democratic freedoms, especially press freedom. He will also express continuing concern over the situation in Chechnya.
Mr Clinton will also be the first US President to address the Russian Duma or parliament.