Pakistan, June 6 -- A US official conveyed a "good hello" from President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a major forum. The brief exchange took place during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. It drew attention as a symbolic moment amid strained US-Russia relations.

Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, delivered the message while addressing attendees at the forum. He spoke directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a plenary session. He also praised the city of St Petersburg and its cultural appeal.

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Cook stated that he was pleased to meet Putin and expressed admiration for the Russian leader's hom...