Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump published a joint statement to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the meeting between Soviet and U.S. soldiers at Elbe River, hailing the trust and cooperation between the two countries, the Kremlin said Saturday.

"April 25, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the historic meeting between Soviet and U.S. soldiers, who shook hands on the damaged bridge over the Elbe River," the joint statement said, adding that the event heralded the decisive defeat of the Nazi regime.

"The meeting on the Elbe represented a culmination of tremendous efforts by the many countries and peoples that joined forces under the framework of the United Nations Declaration of 1942," it said.

The joint statement described the historic meeting between Soviet and American forces as "an example of how our countries can set aside differences, build trust and cooperate in the name of a common goal."

The statement hailed the "Spirit of the Elbe," calling for joint action to confront the most important challenges of the 21st century.

"As we work today to confront the most important challenges of the 21st century, we pay tribute to the valor and courage of all those who fought together to defeat fascism," it added. "Their heroic feat will never be forgotten."

In a video published on Twitter, U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said the meeting at the Elbe was "a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together for a common cause."

(With input from Xinhua, AFP)