Trump and Putin shake hands for first time

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have had their first official meeting before a more formal sit-down later Friday. 

The two leaders shook hands away from the press at the annual Group of 20 summit, but the moment was captured in a video posted on the German Cabinet’s Facebook page. 

In it, Putin is seen smiling at Trump before reaching out to meet the president’s handshake. Trump pats him on the back. 

The handshake came as Trump and Putin prepare for their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. 

Trump tweeted about the upcoming talks Friday morning, saying they had “much to discuss.”

I look forward to all meetings today with world leaders, including my meeting with Vladimir Putin. Much to discuss.#G20Summit #USA

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2017

While Trump is also set to hold meetings with other leaders, including Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and British Prime Minister Theresa May, during the two-day summit, his meeting with Putin will be watched particularly closely.

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Trump and his administration are facing multiple investigations in Washington focusing on the Kremlin’s role in the 2016 presidential election and whether members of Trump’s campaign possibly sought to collude with Russia.

Trump has long expressed a desire for warmer relations with Russia and has proposed increased cooperation in the fight against extremist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. 

It’s unclear what the two leaders will discuss in their bilateral meeting on Friday, though the issue of the ongoing civil war in Syria is likely to be a key issue. The U.S. and Russia back opposing sides in the fight.