Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump Monday and said Russia is ready for a "partner-like dialogue" with the United States.
Trump's office said the incoming president told Putin he is very much looking forward to a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and its people.
It also said the two talked about a range of issues including threats and challenges and strategic economic matters.
A Kremlin release said Putin and Trump agree that U.S.-Russian ties are "extremely unsatisfactory" right now and that their talks need to be based on equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
Democrats have accused the Kremlin of orchestrating the leak of internal Clinton campaign emails that may have damaged her chances of becoming president.
Russia has denied interfering in the U.S. election, but Trump had made no secret of his admiration of Putin for being a "strong leader."
Ties between the Kremlin and the Obama administration have been cool over the last several years primarily over such issues as Ukraine and Syria.
On the Kremlin website it was noted that next year marks 210 years since Russia and the U.S. established diplomatic relations. The posting said mutually beneficial cooperation would meet the interests of the two countries and provide stability and security around the world.
