MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a joint statement to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the meeting between Soviet and U.S. soldiers at the Elbe River, the Kremlin said Saturday.
"April 25, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the historic meeting between Soviet and U.S. soldiers, who shook hands on the damaged bridge over the Elbe River," the joint statement said, adding that the event heralded the decisive defeat of the Nazi regime.
"The meeting on the Elbe represented a culmination of tremendous efforts by the many countries and peoples that joined forces under the framework of the United Nations Declaration of 1942," it said.
The contributions from men and women on the home front, who forged vast quantities of war materials for use around the world, are also recognized in the statement.
"The 'Spirit of the Elbe' is an example of how our countries can put aside differences, build trust, and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause. As we work today to confront the most important challenges of the 21st century, we pay tribute to the valor and courage of all those who fought together to defeat fascism. Their heroic feat will never be forgotten," it said.
