US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at their one-on-one meeting in Helsinki, Finland on July 16, 2018.

At their joint press conference, Mr. Putin said the meeting was successful and effective. He said he hopes to reach an agreement with the US on issues of mutual risks like international security systems and terrorism identification. Moscow and Washington should take the lead in tackling the humanitarian crisis in Syria, he said, adding his concerns about the US’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Mr. Putin said that Moscow did not and will never interfere in US elections.

President Trump called the meeting open and effective and stressed the importance of dialogue to the US-Russia relationship. He said both countries have to find cooperation opportunities to improve the world situation, adding that they agreed to continue discussing the issues mentioned in Helsinki. Mr. Trump said he hopes there will be more regular meetings between the two countries.