'Trump, Putin agree to work together to mend ties'

Putin 'called to offer his congratulations on winning a historic election,' according to Trump’s statement. The two leaders discussed issues including shared threats, strategic economic issues and the historical US-Russia relationship. The Russian President was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump last Wednesday, sending him a telegram about an hour after he had emerged the victor, but the two have not met nor had they spoken previously.

"President-elect Trump told President Putin that he is very much looking forward to having a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and the people of Russia," the statement by Trump's transition team said.

Citing the Russian leader, the Kremlin statement said that this new relationship will be based 'on the principles of equality, mutual respect and respective non involvement in the other party's domestic affairs.' The statement said that Putin and Trump agreed on combating 'global enemy number one' — international terrorism and extremism. Officials are now working to arrange a personal meeting between the two leaders, the statement said.

Relations between the two countries have soured in recent years, despite President Barack Obama starting his eight years in office by calling for a 'reset' with one of the US' long-term rivals. While Russia and the US have managed to work together on issues like North Korea and Iran, they have openly clashed on Syria.

Obama has also condemned Russia's intervention on the side of pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, while Russia's decision to grant whistle-blower Edward Snowden asylum infuriated Washington.