President Trump-Putin talk about allegations of Russian interference in US elections

In their first meeting, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a frank exchange about allegations of Russian interference in the US election but agreed to focus on better relations rather than litigation about the past.

Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said President Trump showed a positive attitude towards President Putin during the 2-hour and 15-minute meeting.

Russian President Putin and US President Donald Trump met privately on the sidelines of the G20 in Hamburg (Germany) on July 7. (Photo: Reuters)

Mr Trump opened their discussion by pressing his Russian counterpart about Moscow's interference in the 2016 election and the two sides had a frank exchange, Reuters quoted Mr Tillerson as saying.

The Russian president has denied interfering in the US democratic process in last year's presidential election, and demanded that Washington provide evidence if it did.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, also present at the meeting, said Mr Trump had accepted Mr Putin's assurances.

The two leaders also spent a lot of time discussing the situation in Syria. An agreement between the US, Russia and Jordan on a ceasefire in southwest Syria was announced after the meeting, Reuters reported.

The meeting on the sidelines of the G20 between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the most anticipated meetings between the two leaders in recent times.

Mr. Putin sat next to Mrs. Melania Trump at the dinner party. (Photo: Sky News)

Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin spoke through interpreters with the presence of their foreign ministers for six minutes before reporters were allowed into the meeting room. A short while later, reporters were ushered out so the two leaders could continue their meeting behind closed doors.

"We look forward to many more positive things for Russia, the United States and everyone. It's an honor to be here with you," US President Donald Trump said before the start of the meeting.

Responding to his US counterpart, Russian President Putin also admitted that "a phone conversation is not enough".

The meeting between the two leaders lasted longer than expected and First Lady Melania Trump had to step in to bring it to a close, Secretary Tillerson said. After the meeting, President Trump and President Putin attended a concert with other G20 leaders. First Lady Melania sat next to Mr. Putin at the dinner.

According to Vietnamnet