Putin: Trump's business success suggests he's a 'clever man'

Russian President Vladimir Putin touted Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE business victories and suggested the president-elect is a “clever man,” Reuters reported.

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“Trump was an entrepreneur and a businessman. He is already a statesman, he is the head of the United States of America, one of the world’s leading countries,” Putin said in an interview Sunday with NTV TV.

“Because he achieved success in business, it suggests that he is a clever man. And if (he is) a clever man, then he will fully and quite quickly understand another level of responsibility. We assume that he will be acting from these positions.”

During an interview last week, Putin said he hopes to “normalize” relations between the U.S. and Russia during Trump’s presidency.

“We are ready for cooperation with the new American administration,” Putin said last week in an address to government ministers, members of parliament and top Kremlin officials.

The Russian leader said during that address that it is important the two countries have a good relationship.

“It’s important to normalize and develop our bilateral ties on an equal and mutually beneficial basis. We share responsibility for ensuring global security and stability and strengthening the non-proliferation regime,” Putin said. 

“We hope to join efforts with the United States in the fight against a real rather than dreamt-up threat — global terrorism,” he added. “Our servicemen in Syria are fulfilling that task.”