Nobody has been tougher on Russia than I have: Trump
April 04, 2018 07:58
US President Donald Trump has said "nobody has been tougher" on Russia than him even as he expressed hope that having a good relationship with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would be a "great thing".
Trump's comments came yesterday during a meeting with leaders of the Baltic states -- Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania -- a day after the White House confirmed the president invited Putin to the Oval Office for a potential meeting.
"I think we'll be able to have great dialogue, I hope. And, if we can't, you'll be the first to know about it. Nobody's been tougher on Russia than I have," he said.
Trump was asked if he considered Putin a friend or a foe.
"It's a real possibility that I could have a good relationship. And remember this: Getting along with Russia is a good thing. Getting along with China is a good thing. Getting along with other countries, including your three countries is a good thing, not a bad thing," Trump told reporters at a White House joint news conference with Baltic leaders.
"So I think I could have a very good relationship with Russia and with President Putin. And if I did, that would be a great thing. And there's also a possibility that won't happen. Who knows?" he said.
Trump noted that the US is "very strong" on energy, which he said, is not good for Russia.
"We're essentially now energy-independent. We're an exporter of energy. That is not a positive for Russia. But it's certainly a positive for the United States," he said.
His administration, Trump said, has just passed a $700 billion military budget.
-- PTI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances