It has been reported by Richard Hooker, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Europe and Russia in US National Security Council, that both sides are looking for ways to organize the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Looking at the current situation in the world, it would be beneficiary for all sides for this summit to be organized.
He was asked if Washington is trying to organize the meeting of two presidents and here is what he said: “I think that both sides are exploring an opportunity to meet, yes. I don’t think any decisions have been made, or details have been worked out, but I believe both sides are exploring an opportunity to try to do that.”
One of the countries that could host the summit is Austria. “I am sure this is an option under consideration, but no decision has been made,” he said.
During the previous week, it was reported by Wall Street Journal that President Putin is also thinking about the meeting and that Vienna could be the location. This summit would also include Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurtz. According to their source, Putin spoke with Kurtz during his visit to Austria about the possibility for him and the US president to meet in Vienna during this summer. Source also claims that the Austrian Chancellor responded positively and said that he would contact President Trump on this matter.
Not long after this, it was confirmed by a representative of the White House that Austrian officials contacted them about the possible meeting and their readiness to be the hosts.
Trump and Putin had a telephone conversation on March 20 and on that occasion both foreign ministries were instructed to organize the meeting. It was added that the U.S. president invited Russian leader to Washington. In the final days of May, it was said by Yuri Ushakov, an aide of the Russian president, that the possible meeting between the two, before G20 summit in November, hasn’t been talked about.
On June 10, it was said by Putin that he is willing to sit down with Trump and that the meeting can be organized as soon as the other side is ready.
Source: tass.com
