Biden and Putin Shake Hands at First Summit in Geneva, Switzerland (Update)

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and U.S. President Joe Biden (right) shake hands on the 16th (local time) at Villa La Grange in Geneva, Switzerland, the venue for their summit meeting. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] The first summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin began on the 16th (local time).

The two leaders met at around 1:24 p.m. at the meeting venue, Villa La Grange, in Geneva, Switzerland. Each leader was greeted by Swiss President Guy Parmelin upon disembarking from their planes. After shaking hands, they entered the villa where the talks were held.

President Putin, known for habitual tardiness, unusually arrived at the venue before the scheduled meeting time of 1:35 p.m. President Biden had arrived in Geneva the day before.

The summit is expected to last about 4 to 5 hours, including a small-scale meeting attended only by the foreign ministers of both countries, followed by an expanded meeting.

Topics to be discussed include the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which expires in 2026, allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election and federal government hacking, political repression of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny, and cybersecurity issues. Cooperation on U.S. policy toward North Korea and exploration of areas for collaboration are also expected to be addressed.