Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Putin

President Obama spoke by phone today with President Putin of Russia to convey his condolences on the tragic hospital fire outside of Moscow that killed dozens last week, and to reiterate his appreciation for the close cooperation that the United States has received from Russia on the Boston marathon attack.  The two Leaders discussed cooperation on counterterrorism and security issues going forward, including with respect to the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.  President Obama and President Putin reviewed the situation in Syria, with President Obama underscoring concern over Syrian chemical weapons.  The Presidents agreed to stay in close consultation and instructed Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Lavrov to continue discussions on Syria.  Finally, both Presidents noted that they look forward to meeting in person in June at the time of the G-8 meeting in Northern Ireland and again in September for a bilateral Summit in Russia.