Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that today's visit to Moscow by US leader Donald Trump's national security advisor will help improve bilateral ties amid tensions between Moscow and the West.
Hardliner John Bolton is in Moscow to lay the groundwork for a summit between the Kremlin chief and President Trump that may take place next month in Europe.
"Your visit to Moscow gives us hope that we can at least take the first step to reviving full-blown ties between our states," Putin told Bolton at the start of the Kremlin meeting after the two smiled and shook hand for the cameras.
"We never sought confrontation," Putin said in televised remarks, adding he regretted that the Russia-US ties were not "on top form." Bolton said it was important to keep talking and complimented Putin on his handling of the football World Cup, currently taking place in Russia.
"Even in earlier days when our countries had differences our leaders and their advisors met and I think that was good for both countries, good for stability in the world and President Trump feels very strongly on that subject," he said.
"So again we are most appreciative of your courtesy and graciousness here and I look forward to learning how you handle the World Cup so successfully, among other things."
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