Trump and Putin discuss meeting face-to-face in first phone call since historic win
Donald Trump has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone discussing plans to meet face-to-face in the near future.
The pair talked for the first time since Trump became president-elect and agreed to work towards "constructive cooperation" including fighting on terrorism.
They agreed to "channel" relations between Russia and the United States and "combine efforts to tackle international terrorism and extremism".
Trump told Putin he was looking forward to a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and its people.
News of the call broke just as President Obama was preparing to address the media before leaving on his final overseas trip to Greece and Peru.
Obama's relations with Putin have become tense because of the situations in Syria and Ukraine.
However, Trump hailed Putin throughout his controversial election campaign.
During the presidential debates, Trump said his relationship with his Russian counterpart would be strong.
"I think I would have a very, very good relationship with Russia… He (Putin) does have an 82 per cent approval rating," Trump said at an NBC forum.
NBC Host Matt Lauer said Putin had invaded Ukraine, and backed Assad, among other things.
Trump appeared to back the Russian leader and said: "Well, nobody knows that for a fact. But do you want me to start naming some of the things that President Obama does at the same time? … I think when he (Putin) calls me brilliant, I’ll take the compliment, OK?"
Talking about Putin, Trump said: "He’s been a leader, far more than our president has been".
Trump is due to succeed President Barack Obama on January 20.
