Two of the world’s most powerful men began their summit on Monday at the presidential palace in Helsinki, Finland. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, began their meeting with Trump predicting their two countries “will end up having an extraordinary relationship.”
Both men delivered opening remarks before engaging in one-on-one talks that could drag on for hours.
Trump began by congratulating Putin for Russia’s impressive performance at the 2018 World Cup, where the host nation made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Croatia in a penalty shoot-out.
.@POTUS: “Mr. President I’d like to congratulate you on a really great World Cup.” pic.twitter.com/qjKsr5AlYR
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 16, 2018
Then the U.S. president said he and Putin have “a lot of good things to talk about,” from trade to missiles to China, and this meeting could open up “great opportunities” for both countries.
.@POTUS: “We have a lot of good things to talk about and things to talk about. We have discussions on everything from trade to military.” pic.twitter.com/8OiZSvJi2l
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 16, 2018
“I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship,” Trump said. “Getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing.”
.@POTUS: “I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship, I hope so.” pic.twitter.com/UVWRP8AzAl
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 16, 2018
He added that the U.S. and Russia are the world’s two great nuclear powers, and “the world wants to see us get along.”
.@POTUS: “I really think the world wants to see us get along. We are the two great nuclear powers.” pic.twitter.com/kiNGxQFlGu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 16, 2018
Are you in favor of Trump meeting one on one with Putin, or do you think this is a mistake? Will this ultimately help the United States or hurt our country? Do you think they will talk about Russia’s election meddling?
Credit: Fox News Insider