WASHINGTON: Russian President Vladimir Putin and US presidential candidate Donald Trump have praised each other, saying they would welcome an improvement in the now-icy ties between their two nations.

Trump — who holds the lead in opinion polls in his bid for the Republican nomination and was dubbed the “absolute leader” in the race by Putin — said that by working together, the United States and Russia could work toward defeating terrorism and “restoring world peace.”

The billionaire businessman’s remarks were in stark contrast to his Republican rivals’ rhetoric. Republicans have frequently taken to bashing Putin and have used his rocky relationship with Democratic President Barack Obama as evidence that the administration lacks strength in international affairs.

Obama has been critical of Putin, and called for sanctions after Russia annexed Crimea. Putin has backed Syrian President Bashar Assad, while Obama has called for Assad to step down.

Trump, who called Putin “highly respected,” has frequently argued that his business background and ability to negotiate deals would allow him to improve relations with Russia, as well as other nations.

Putin, speaking on Thursday at his year-end news conference, told reporters he welcomed Trump’s desire for better relations with Russia.

“He is a very flamboyant man, very talented, no doubt about that. But it’s not our business to judge his merits, it’s up to the voters of the United States,” Putin told reporters.

“He is an absolute leader of the presidential race, as we see it today. He says that he wants to move to another level relations, a deeper level of relations with Russia,” Putin said. “How can we not welcome that? Of course, we welcome it.”

Trump responded that he was honored. “It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond,” the real estate mogul and former TV reality star said.

“I have always felt that Russia and the United States should be able to work well with each other toward defeating terrorism and restoring world peace, not to mention trade and all of the other benefits derived from mutual respect.”