02:51US President Joe Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a 'worthy adversary' during a press conference in Brussels on Monday.
Biden characterised Putin as 'tough' and 'bright' and expressed hope that his counterpart would show "interest in changing the perception that the world has of him in terms of whether or not he will engage in behaviour that's more consistent with what is considered to be appropriate behaviour for the head of state."
Biden was interrogated on whether he still believes that Putin is a 'killer,' in reference to an interview he gave to ABC in March. The journalist mentioned that the Russian president chuckled when he was asked about his comment.
"I'm laughing too," responded Biden. "The answer is, I believe he has in the past essentially acknowledged that there are certain things that he would do or did do. But look, when I was asked that question on air I answered it honestly, but it's not much of a… I don't think it matters a whole lot in terms of this next meeting we're about to have," he concluded on the matter.
Both leaders are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday for their first summit together.
At the summit, which is scheduled to be the last part of Biden's trip to Europe, the leaders are expected to discuss key issues in bilateral relations and questions on the international agenda.
Putin and Biden met previously when Biden was serving as vice president in the Obama administration 10 years ago.
Belgium: Biden calls Russian president 'worthy adversary', laughs when asked about Putin 'killer' comment
US President Joe Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a 'worthy adversary' during a press conference in Brussels on Monday.
Biden characterised Putin as 'tough' and 'bright' and expressed hope that his counterpart would show "interest in changing the perception that the world has of him in terms of whether or not he will engage in behaviour that's more consistent with what is considered to be appropriate behaviour for the head of state."
Biden was interrogated on whether he still believes that Putin is a 'killer,' in reference to an interview he gave to ABC in March. The journalist mentioned that the Russian president chuckled when he was asked about his comment.
"I'm laughing too," responded Biden. "The answer is, I believe he has in the past essentially acknowledged that there are certain things that he would do or did do. But look, when I was asked that question on air I answered it honestly, but it's not much of a… I don't think it matters a whole lot in terms of this next meeting we're about to have," he concluded on the matter.
Both leaders are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday for their first summit together.
At the summit, which is scheduled to be the last part of Biden's trip to Europe, the leaders are expected to discuss key issues in bilateral relations and questions on the international agenda.
Putin and Biden met previously when Biden was serving as vice president in the Obama administration 10 years ago.
US President Joe Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a 'worthy adversary' during a press conference in Brussels on Monday.
Biden characterised Putin as 'tough' and 'bright' and expressed hope that his counterpart would show "interest in changing the perception that the world has of him in terms of whether or not he will engage in behaviour that's more consistent with what is considered to be appropriate behaviour for the head of state."
Biden was interrogated on whether he still believes that Putin is a 'killer,' in reference to an interview he gave to ABC in March. The journalist mentioned that the Russian president chuckled when he was asked about his comment.
"I'm laughing too," responded Biden. "The answer is, I believe he has in the past essentially acknowledged that there are certain things that he would do or did do. But look, when I was asked that question on air I answered it honestly, but it's not much of a… I don't think it matters a whole lot in terms of this next meeting we're about to have," he concluded on the matter.
Both leaders are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday for their first summit together.
At the summit, which is scheduled to be the last part of Biden's trip to Europe, the leaders are expected to discuss key issues in bilateral relations and questions on the international agenda.
Putin and Biden met previously when Biden was serving as vice president in the Obama administration 10 years ago.