Trump and Putin Held Wide-Ranging Phone Discussion July 23

July 24, 2020 (EIRNS)—U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on July 23, in a wide-ranging discussion, which President Putin described as “constructive and substantive.”

The President of Russia’s website reports:

“Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump thoroughly discussed issues of strategic stability and arms control, considering the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for maintaining international peace and security. In this context, they reaffirmed the need for bilateral consultations on these issues, including the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. They also noted the great importance of Russia’s initiative to hold a summit of the permanent members of the UN Security Council on a wide range of international security problems.

“The situation with the Iranian nuclear program was touched on. Both sides emphasized the need for a collective effort to maintain regional stability and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

“The two leaders expressed mutual interest in the development of Russian-American trade and economic cooperation, and praised joint efforts to contain the coronavirus spread.

“The leaders of Russia and the United States exchanged best wishes on the 45th anniversary of the joint Soyuz-Apollo space flight.

“Both sides agreed to continue contacts at various levels.

“The conversation was constructive and substantive.”

President Trump’s press spokesman Judd Deere reported on the President’s views:

“President Trump and President Putin discussed efforts to defeat the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to reopen global economies.” He continued “The two leaders also discussed critical bilateral and global issues. President Trump reiterated his hope of avoiding an expensive three-way arms race between China, Russia, and the United States and looked forward to progress on upcoming arms controls negotiations in Vienna.”