Trump, Putin, Xi speak by phone, aim to improve ties
November 15, 2016, 5:49 am

Trump will take office on 20 January 2017 [Xinhua]

During the call with Putin, both sides agreed to make joint efforts to normalize current stained ties.

Putin voiced Moscow’s willingness to build a partnership dialogue with the new US administration based on equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other, the Kremlin said in a statement. The Syrian crisis was also discussed.

Both sides agreed to review the current soured ties between the two powers, noting in particular the need to create a solid foundation of bilateral ties through the development of their trade and economic component, which would help “stimulate a return to pragmatic, mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Putin and Trump also discussed joint efforts in the fight against their “common enemy” — international terrorism and extremism, and shared views on the Syrian settlement.

They agreed to continue phone contacts in the future and meet in person at a later date, the Kremlin added.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian daily Moskovsky Komsomolets on Sunday that there should be no “unrealistic expectations” of an immediate turnaround in US-Russia ties.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi told Trump on Monday that cooperation is the “önly correct choice” for future Sino-US relations.

“President-elect Trump stated that he believes the two leaders will have one of the strongest relationships for both countries moving forward,” a statement from Trump’s office said.

Trump’s presidential campaign had heaped bitter abuses on economic powerhouse China with the Republican leader saying he would levy 45 per cent tariffs on all Chinese exports to the US.

TBP and Agencies