QINGDAO, China – The Latest on Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks at a summit of the Chinese- and Russian-dominated Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the eastern city of Qingdao (all times local):
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1 p.m.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is hailing a planned summit of the United States and North Korea.
Speaking Sunday at a gathering of leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Qingdao, China, the Russian leader noted Beijing's contribution to helping defuse tensions around North Korea.
Putin says "Russia welcomes the planned summit of the U.S. and North Korea and notes China's big contribution to helping settle the crisis on the Korean Peninsula."
He referred to a meeting of President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday, saying "we positively view the intentions of Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington to reach a comprehensive settlement of the crisis through talks."
Putin noted that Russia and China have emphasized the need for talks to reduce tensions.
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12:30 p.m.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal in a speech at a regional summit in China.
Speaking during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Qingdao on Sunday, Putin emphasized that the bloc members are worried about the U.S. move. The bloc includes China, Russia along with four ex-Soviet Central Asian nations, as well as India and Pakistan.
Putin says Washington's decision to exit the agreement could "destabilize the situation" in the region.
He adds Moscow will continue to honor its obligations under the Iranian nuclear deal.
Last month, President Donald Trump pulled out of former President Barack Obama's landmark 2015 nuclear accord with Iran over the objections of European allies and other nations.