Putin and Biden Begin Summit in Geneva

Photo for illustration purposes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Joseph Biden shook hands at the entrance to the Swiss Villa La Grange, where the two leaders will hold their talks. The two heads of state also took part in the photographing ceremony, Russian media reported.

Biden arrived at the villa a few minutes after Putin. Both of them were greeted by Swiss President Guy Parmelin. The Swiss also made a short speech, wishing the heads of state productive negotiations “for the benefit of the two countries and the whole world.”

Then the presidents were photographed together on the porch of the villa, the TV channel “Russia 24” reported.

This meeting between Putin and Biden is their first meeting since 2011. Back then, Putin was then the prime minister of Russia, and Biden was US vice president, serving in the Obama administration.