The pair have met in Helsinki for a historic summit.
Donald Trump has joined Vladimir Putin in Helsinki for unilateral talks between Russia and the US on a host of matters.
In opening remarks, Trump congratulated Putin on Russia’s hosting of the World Cup, saying that it was “beautifully done.”
“Most importantly, we have a lot of good things to talk about. We have discussions on everything from trade to military to missiles to nuclear to China, we’ll be talking a little bit about China. Our mutual friend, President Xi.”
Trump went on to say, “I think we have great opportunities together as two countries that, frankly, we have not been getting along very well for the last number of years. I’ve been here not too long, close to two years, but I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship.”
“I’ve been saying it, and I’m sure you’ve heard over the years, and as I campaigned, that getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing.”
His opening statements can be watched below.
JUST IN: President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet and make statements at the presidential palace in Helsinki, Finland, ahead of their one-on-one meeting
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— CNN (@CNN) July 16, 2018
Trump’s relationship with the Russian president has come under much scrutiny. Last week, 12 Russians were indicted on charges of hacking the DNC in an apparent attempt to sabotage the presidential bid of Hillary Clinton.
On October 7, 2016, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security jointly stated that the U.S. Intelligence Community was confident that the Russian Government directed recent hacking of e-mails with the intention of interfering with the U.S. election process.
This morning, Trump tweeted “Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!” referring to his investigation by Robert Mueller, where he is suspected of obstructing the course of justice of James Comey’s original investigation into Russian hacking.
Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2018
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