The promise to continue telephone contacts and see each other soon. Cooperation on many issues, including the fight against international terrorism and peace in Syria.
Moscow (AsiaNews) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has telephoned the newly elected US president Donald Trump. In addition to congratulations on winning the election, he has discussed possibilities for improving relations between the two countries.
A Kremlin statement describes the current relationship between the two powers as "very unsatisfactory", proposing a "common work to normalize relations towards constructive cooperation on a wide range of issues."
The two presidents have agreed in the common commitment to fight international terrorism and to find ways to bring about peace in Syria, as well as enhance trade between the two countries.
During the Obama administration the relations between Washington and Moscow have dropped to their lowest level since the Cold War. In addition to differences and enmity shown in the Middle East, especially towards the fate of Syrian President Bashar Assad, the invasion of the Crimea led to a series of economic sanctions against Russia and an increase of the military defense in NATO countries.
A statement from Trump’s office stated that the new president wants to have "a strong and lasting relationship with Russia and the Russian people".
During the US election campaign, Trump has been accused by his rival of being "sponsored" by Putin and has often cited the threat of Russian hackers on behalf of the votes.
For his part Trump said that he lifted the sanctions against Russia and could recognize the annexation of Crimea.
Putin and Trump have agreed to have new and continuous telephone contacts, while waiting for the opportunity to have a personal meeting in the near future.