Trump calls first Putin meeting an 'honor', cites 'very good' talks

U.S. President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday that it was an "honor" to meet him for the first time and said he looked forward to "positive things" in the relationship between the former Cold War rivals.

The face-to-face encounter between Trump and Putin at a Group of 20 summit in Germany was one of the most eagerly anticipated meetings between two leaders in years.

Trump promised a rapprochement with Moscow during his campaign for the presidency last year. But he has been unable to deliver on that pledge because his administration has been dogged by investigations into allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. election and ties between his campaign team and Moscow.

Moscow has denied any interference and Trump says his campaign did not collude with Russia.

Trump and Putin spoke through translators with their respective foreign ministers present for six minutes before reporters were allowed into the room for their statements. Afterwards the reporters were ushered out and the meeting continued.

"President Putin and I have been discussing various things, and I think it's going very well," Trump told reporters, sitting alongside the Russian leader.

"We've had some very, very good talks. We're going to have a talk now and obviously that will continue. We look forward to a lot of very positive things happening for Russia, for the United States and for everybody concerned. And it's an honor to be with you."

"I am delighted to be able to meet you personally, Mr. President," he said, noting that he hoped the meeting would yield results. - Read, Reuters

Trump calls first Putin meeting an 'honor', cites 'very good' talks

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