Speaking to the press amid their first in-person meeting Friday, President Donald Trump said the conversation with Russia President Vladimir Putin is “going really well.”
“We’ve had some good talks. We’re going to talk now and obviously that will continue, but we look forward to a lot of positive things happening for Russia, for the United States and for everyone concerned. It’s an honor to be with you,” Trump said, turning to Putin for a handshake. The pair were seated in white chairs, accompanied by translators, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russia Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov.
Putin acknowledged the two had spoken on the phone several times “on very important bilateral and international issues.”
“But phone conversations are never enough definitely,” Putin said. “If you want to have a positive outcome in bilaterals and be able to resolve most international policy issues that will really need personal meetings.”
“I’m delighted to meet you in person and hope, as you said, our meeting will yield positive results,” Putin added, wrapping up the two Presidents’ comments to the press.
Trump tells Putin: “It’s an honor to be with you.” pic.twitter.com/p3aVypnxei
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 7, 2017
Correction: This post originally quoted Putin as saying “one conversation is never enough” with Trump. The Russia president said “phone conversations are never enough.”
