Russian President Putin not to attend G8 Summit

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has told his US counterpart Barack Obama over phone that he would not be able to attend the G8 summit at Camp David, a White House statement said.

"Noting his responsibilities to finalise Cabinet appointments in the new Russian government, President Putin expressed his regret that he would be unable to attend the G8 Summit at Camp David on May 18-19," it said.

"President Obama expressed his understanding of President Putin's decision and welcomed the participation of Russian Prime Minister [Dmitry] Medvedev at the G8 Summit," the White House said.

"President Obama and President Putin agreed to hold a bilateral meeting on the margins of the June 18-19, G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico," it said.

The two leaders agreed to continue the 'reset' in bilateral relations. Both the leaders also discussed nuclear security issues and Afghanistan.