Russia, US agree to hold summit in 'third country'

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Europe

01:34

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to hold a summit in a third country with President Donald Trump at talks on Wednesday with the US leader's national security adviser, voicing hope for an easing of tensions between the two nations.

Speaking after Putin's meeting with John Bolton in Moscow, the Kremlin's top foreign policy aide said the two presidents would meet at a place and time that will be announced on Thursday.

Putin (L) shakes hands with Bolton during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia June 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

"Your visit to Moscow gives us hope that we can at least take the first step to revive full-blown ties between our states," Putin told Bolton at the Kremlin after the two smiled and shook hands for the cameras.

"We never sought confrontation," Putin said, adding he regretted that the Russia-US ties were not "on top form."

File photo of Bolton. /VCG Photo

Bolton, who is famous for his hawkish reputation and tough stance on Moscow, said it was important to keep talking and complimented Putin on his handling of the football World Cup, currently taking place in Russia.

The US will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada, and Putin said he was happy to share with Washington his experience of hosting the sporting event.

Time and place agreed

Putin's foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said the two sides have "agreed on the time and the place of the meeting" but details would be unveiled Thursday, Russian news agencies reported.

Ushakov said the two presidents would focus on relations between their two countries, Syria and nuclear arms control and could adopt a joint statement to help improve ties as well as global security.

He added that Putin and Bolton did not discuss US sanctions against Russia.

Putin talks to Trump during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. /VCG Photo

Helsinki a possible host?

Putin and Trump discussed holding a summit when the US leader congratulated the Russian president on his re-election in March, reportedly ignoring advice from his advisers.

Moscow said Trump had invited Putin for a summit at the White House but the focus has since shifted to a possible meeting on neutral ground.

US-based news website Politico reported this week that the two leaders could meet in the Finnish capital Helsinki.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said Helsinki is "always ready to offer its good services if asked." He did not provide further details.

Source(s): AFP