When Trump met Putin, big G20 talking point

When Trump met Putin, big G20 talking point
By Seamus Kearney
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The moment Presidents Trump and Putin met for the very first time has been captured on amateur video.

The images were filmed by the German government on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg.

The handshake was not as remarkable as previous ones involving Trump. But the US President did give Putin a pat on the shoulder as both men smiled.

The footage also showed the British and Japanese Prime Ministers were present, as well as the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, and head of the European Council of leaders, Donald Tusk.

Trump meeting Putin has been a big talking point, given the accusations of Russian meddling in the US election and with Trump yesterday accusing Putin of “destabilising behaviour”.

While the two have previously spoken on the phone, this was the first face-to-face meeting.

Officials say the talks lasted for more than two hours, with discussions on Syria and North Korea.

Both leaders say they have agreed on a ceasefire in parts of Syria from Sunday.

After their talks, Trump told reporters: “We look forward to a lot of very positive things happening, for Russia, for the United States, and for everybody concerned.

“It’s an honour to be with you (to Putin). Thank you.”

Climate change is top of the agenda at the summit, amid concern about the US pulling out of the Paris climate deal.

Trump is said to have attended the leaders’ discussions on climate policy, taking the floor at one point.

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, host of the summit, says nearly all of the G20 leaders agreed on the need for free and fair trade.

But differences over how that should work in reality and the issue of protectionism means agreement on a final communique could be difficult.

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