“[Vladimir] Putin expressed confidence that by building a dialogue based on principles of equality and respect of mutual interests, Russia and the United States can solve the most acute international issues and effectively counter global threats and challenges,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
Relations between Russia and the United States have been strained following an escalation of the crisis in Ukraine. Washington kept blaming Moscow for meddling in Ukraine’s internal affairs, while Russia repeatedly denied any involvement in the Ukrainian domestic conflict.
Over the past year, the United States, together with its allies, have introduced a series of sanctions against Russia.
Despite the worsening relations, both Russian and US officials have repeatedly said that the two countries are willing to continue cooperation in a number of issues, including in countering terrorism.
