US official tells Putin: 'Good Hello' from your friend President Trump

ST PETERSBURG, June 5 - Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, conveyed a "good hello" to Russian President Vladimir Putin from U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday and praised the beauty of the northern Russian city of St Petersburg.

"President Vladimir Putin, it's very nice to see you," Cook said when asked to say a few words at the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. "I love this city and I think you are aware of that."

"You have a beautiful hometown," Cook said. "I do give a good hello from your friend President Trump."

Putin also passed on his greetings to Trump via Cook. REUTERS