US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) ahead of the APEC Summit leaders gala dinner in Vietnam
AFP: Trump and Putin share brief handshake in Vietnam
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin briefly shook hands at a gala dinner during an Asia-Pacific summit on Friday after days of frenzied speculation on whether the two would meet.
It is still unclear whether the pair plan to hold substantive talks during their visit to Vietnam following days of mixed messages from the Kremlin and the White House.
Relations between Moscow and Washington have plummeted as a US probe has accused Trump's former campaign aides of secretly meeting Kremlin-connected officials -- a charge Russia denies.
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MIDDLE EAST
After IS collapse, Syria government faces US-backed Kurds.
Syria deal in the works ahead of likely Trump-Putin meeting.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait warn citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.
More than 200 arrests made in Saudi corruption crackdown.
US official: Yemen fired Iranian missile at Saudis.
Saudi Arabia orders citizens to leave Lebanon as tensions rise .
Saudi Lebanon: Hezbollah lashes out over Saad al-Hariri.
ASIA
North Korea orders workers in China, Russia to return home.
Pakistan refers 29 terrorism-related cases to military tribunals.
We'll buy arms from Russia, Philippines' Duterte tells Putin.
Philippines president says he once stabbed someone to death.
Abe says agreed with Putin to implement U.N. sanctions on North Korea.
Japan anger over South Korea's shrimp surprise for Donald Trump.
Japan to boost online regulation after killing spree.
AFRICA
Little hope of peace talks as renewed fighting looms in South Sudan.
Police SEIZE the contagious dead bodies of plague victims in Madagascar amid 'medieval' outbreak that is the 'worst in 50 years'.
Gunmen target Egypt truck convoy, nine killed: medical, security sources.
Militant threat hangs over Islamic State's former Libyan stronghold.
Burundi rejects war crimes probe but opposition welcomes it.
DR Congo's Kavumu child rape trial opens.
Booing of Zimbabwe's Grace Mugabe lands four in court.
EUROPE
Nuclear authorities: Traces of radioactivity in Europe traced to Russia. Harmless radioactive cloud spread over Europe from Russia or Kazakhstan.
Brexit: EU tightens deadline for UK to clarify EU divorce bill.
EU, Labor Party fear British PM's gov't could collapse by end of 2017.
North Korea tells Europe to relax, as Kim's nuclear missiles target only US.
Pope says world should condemn 'very possession' of nuclear weapons.
Putin: Doping allegations 'US plot against Russian election'.
Russia prepares to label US media as 'foreign agents'.
Greek terrorist's prison parole sparks global outrage.
AMERICAS
Trump says US will no longer be taken advantage of on trade.
Ex-Trump aide Flynn probed over secret Turkey dealings: reports.
US expands Venezuela blacklist for 'undermining democracy'.
Venezuelan crisis spawns boom in gambling.
Hurricane sets off fierce debate about leaving Puerto Rico.
Mexico drug cartel's grip on politicians and police revealed in Texas court files.
Canada's Trudeau baulks at signing new TPP deal.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Report: IS leader may be in eastern Syrian city of Boukamal.
Overseas wars have cost US $4.3 trillion since 2001: report.
US says new airstrike in Somalia kills 'several militants'.
Hamburg suspect wanted to kill Christian Germans, federal prosecutors say.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Apec summit: Trump and Xi offer competing visions for trade.
Trump in Vietnam: U.S. won't 'be taken advantage of' on trade.
Facebook exploits human weakness and is intentionally addictive, ex-president says.
'Star Wars:' Disney announces new trilogy.
