Putin-Biden talks begin

International
GENEVA, ( ST)_ Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden have begun talks in private in the library hall on the ground floor of the Villa La Grange, according to TASS. 
 
Before that, the media was let in for an official photo session. Both leaders dropped several remarks. Also, they exchanged a couple of words, when the reporters were leaving the room.
 
After the photo session the talks began behind closed doors. The two leaders are accompanied by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and interpreters.
Putin arrived at the site of the summit meeting from Geneva airport at 14:05 Moscow time. Biden’s motorcade followed at 14:17 Moscow time. Both leaders were welcomed by Swiss President Guy Parmelin, 
 
After that the three presidents proceeded to the main entrance, where Parmelin made a brief welcoming address. Putin and Biden shook hands (the US leader extended his hand a tiny fraction of a second quicker than his Russian counterpart) and then left for talks.
 
Before the start of talks, President Putin has expressed the hope that the talks with his US counterpart Joe Biden will be productive. 
 
The heads of state will discuss the state and prospects of bilateral relations, strategic stability matters, as well as pressing issues on the international agenda, including the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and the settlement of regional conflicts in Syria, Libya and Afghanistan . This will be the first meeting between Putin and Biden since the US leader took office.
 
Compiled by: Basma Qaddour 
You might also like
feature

Polyansky: Israel and Ukraine are waging a war against humanity

International

Granting green light to Israeli settlers to raid Al-Aqsa Mosque in big numbers a…

International

Dozens of settlers storm Al-Aqsa

International

Pushlin Foreign ships in the port of Mariupol return to their countries

Latest news
Muslim World League Welcomes EU’s Lifting of Sanctions on Syria as a Positive Step Forward Restoration Project of the Cultural Stairway Launched in Lattakia privince Syrian-Jordanian Agreement on Unified Fees… and 11 Weekly Flights to Damascus Jordanian Foreign Minister: My Visit to Damascus Was Fruitful Minister of Local Administration and Environment Discusses Cooperation with Swiss Mission in Damascu... Damascus Chamber of Commerce: lifting economic sanctions is a positive step toward rebuilding bridge... Jordanian Delegation to Visit Syria Next Week to Explore Economic and Investment Cooperation U.S. Secretary of State: Action must be taken at the congressional level to develop the private sect... Syrian , Turkish Defense Officials Discuss Enhancing Cooperation to Support Regional Stability Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance: A Stable and Prosperous Syria Is a Major Gain for the Regi... Minister of Education Discusses Support for Education Sector with UK Minister for the Middle East Minister of Health Discusses Opportunities for Joint Cooperation with Head of Global Development at ... Syria , Jordan Sign MoU to Establish High Coordination Council Press conference for Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Al-Sheibani and his Jordanian count... UN , Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement to Rehabilitate Bakeries in Syria Minister of Health meets a number of his counterparts in Geneva Syria is among the world's top 10 pistachio-producing countries Foreign Minister Al-Sheibani Receives a  High-Level Jordanian Delegation in Damascus to Establish Jo... Kallas: We hope the EU will reach a decision today to lift sanctions on Syria Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi Visits Damascus at the Head of a High-Level Ministerial Dele...