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Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday

HAMBURG. – US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held their first face-to-face meeting yesterday at a G20 Summit marred by violent protests and a rift between America and its Western allies over climate change and trade.

“We look forward to a lot of very positive things happening for Russia, for the United States and for everyone concerned,” Trump said. “It’s an honour to be with you.” Putin told the US leader: “I’m delighted to be able to meet you personally Mr President. And I hope as you have said, our meeting will yield concrete results.”

The blockbuster encounter could sway issues ranging from the North Korean crisis and conflicts in Syria and Ukraine to US-Russian disarmament treaties, world trade and global warming, analysts say.

Public images of the interaction between the brash property tycoon and ice-cool ex-KGB agent are likely to be dissected frame by frame for any sign of rapprochement or estrangement. How the “contrasting styles of machismo interact . . . will likely be the defining feature of their relationship,” noted Derek Chollet from think-tank German Marshall Fund.

Normally a ripple-free event in the diplomatic calendar, this year’s G20 summit in the German port city of Hamburg promises to be one of the stormiest in the forum’s history. Trump’s “America First” approach on trade and his climate-sceptic stance are straining relations with long standing allies, especially in Europe.

And his tough response to North Korea’s missile programme – an issue where Russia and China are urging calm – throws a further volatile ingredient into the mix. – AFP.