Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday agreed to work toward “constructive cooperation”, including on fighting terrorism, the Kremlin said.
In their first phone call since Trump won the November 8 election, they agreed to “channel” relations between Russia and the United States and “combine efforts to tackle international terrorism and extremism”.
“The importance of creating a solid basis for bilateral ties was underscored, in particularly by developing the trade-economic component,” the Kremlin said in its statement.
It added that the countries should “return to pragmatic, mutually beneficial cooperation, which would address the interests of countries as well as stability and safety the world over.”
Trump’s team issued a statement saying Putin called to offer congratulations. The statement said Trump told Putin he was looking forward to a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and its people.
The two men will maintain contact by phone and seek to meet each other in person, the statement said.
Trump will succeed President Barack Obama on January 20. Obama’s relations with Putin have become tense over issues that include Syria and Ukraine.
