A US official conveyed a “good hello” from President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a major forum. The brief exchange took place during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. It drew attention as a symbolic moment amid strained US-Russia relations.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, delivered the message while addressing attendees at the forum. He spoke directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a plenary session. He also praised the city of St Petersburg and its cultural appeal.
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Cook stated that he was pleased to meet Putin and expressed admiration for the Russian leader’s hometown. He added that he was passing on greetings from US President Donald Trump. The remark was made informally during his speaking engagement.
Putin acknowledged the message and responded by sending his own greetings back to Trump. The exchange occurred in front of international delegates attending the economic forum. The event focused primarily on global economic discussion and cooperation.
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Observers noted that the interaction was not part of formal diplomatic negotiations between the two countries. However, it stood out due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Moscow. Officials described the exchange as symbolic rather than policy-driven.