Putin calls on US businessmen to help 'normalize' ties

Strong trade ties with US only way to protect relations from political winds, says Russian President Vladimir Putin

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday asked American businesspeople to help establish a "normal" political dialogue between the two countries.

"Help us to restore normal political dialogue. I ask you on behalf of Russia and I appeal to the American side. Help the newly elected president, the head of the administration of the United States," Donald Trump, Putin was quoted as saying by Russian state news agency TASS.

He said "strong" trade and investment ties with the U.S. are the "only" way to protect relations between the two countries from fluctuating due to political winds.

"The U.S. has long been our significant trading partner," Putin told American businesspeople at a panel discussion "Russia-US Business Dialogue" on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Putin said Moscow will do its best to make business in Russia "profitable" for its American partners.

He added Russia will promote bilateral projects with the U.S. for "constructive" cooperation.

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