Putin says he is happy to meet Trump once Washington ready

Vladimir Putin: Critical of Trumps Iran deal decision. Picture: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

Mr Putin, speaking to reporters in Qingdao, China, where he attended a summit of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, said he agreed with Mr Trump’s expressions of concern about a renewed arms race. He added that a thorough discussion is needed to address the issue.

Mr Putin said that some nations, including Austria, have offered to host his summit with Mr Trump.

His remarks follow a report that White House officials were working towards setting up a meeting.

Mr Trump has said he is open to having a summit with Mr Putin, who US intelligence officials have said directed Russian meddling in the 2016 election to help Mr Trump win.

The American leader has repeatedly said he wants to improve relationships with Moscow.

Mr Putin also criticised the US withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal in a speech at the summit.

He emphasised that the bloc’s members, who also include China, four ex-Soviet Central Asian nations, as well as India and Pakistan, are worried about the US move.

Mr Putin said Washington’s decision to exit the agreement could “destabilise the situation” in the region. He added Moscow will continue to honour its obligations under the Iranian nuclear deal.

Last month, Mr Trump pulled out of former president Barack Obama’s landmark 2015 nuclear accord with Iran over the objections of European allies and other nations.

Addressing the summit, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, whose country has an observer status in the group, said that Iran would expect other participants in the nuclear deal to provide guarantees that they would honour the agreement.