Obama, Putin meet at last, exchange pleasantries

2009-07-07 05:47:50 GMT2009-07-07 13:47:50 (Beijing Time) SINA.com

President Barack Obama, left, shakes hands with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a meeting at Novo Ogaryovo, Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in Moscow. AP Photo

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) meets with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow July 7, 2009. REUTERS

MOSCOW – President Barack Obama and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have shaken hands, commencing a first-time meeting that each said he hoped could ease relations between Washington and Moscow.

Obama showed up at Putin's home on a clear, sunny day Tuesday morning, thanking his host for arranging the more pleasant weather after several days of cool, rainy conditions in Moscow. He told Putin he "appreciated you taking the time to meet with me," and said he believes the two countries can deal with each other "with mutual respect and consultation."

Putin noted that the history of recent U.S.-Russian relations has been marked by times of good will and also times of strained feelings. But he also said he was "glad to have the opportunity to get acquainted" with Obama.

(Agencies)

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