President Obama joined National Security Advisor Tom Donilon’s meeting today with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev.  The President expressed appreciation for President Putin’s condolences and offer of assistance in the wake of the Oklahoma tornado.  The President reaffirmed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relationship, including U.S.-Russian economic ties.  They also discussed the importance of deepening counterterrorism cooperation and the need for a negotiated political settlement in Syria.  The President noted he looked forward to seeing President Putin in June at the G-8 Summit.