Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed alleged Russian interference in the US election, a ceasefire in Syria and the situation in North Korea during their first face-to-face meeting.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said there was "very clear positive chemistry between the two" and their discussions were "robust".
Our US Correspondent Harry Horton reports.
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It was the most anticipated meeting of Donald Trump's presidency. An army of photographers watched on as the US President, flanked by only his Secretary of State and a translator said meeting Vladimir Putin was an honour.
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"President Putin and I have been discussing various things and I think it's going very well, we've had some very very good talks. We're going to have a talk now and obviously that will continue. But we look forward to a lot of very positive things happening for Russia, for the United States and for everybody concerned. And it's an honour to be with you. Thank you."
Their firm but brief handshake will be studied around the world. President Putin said he was "delighted" to meet his American counterpart and hoped the meeting would yield positive results.
"The two men met for two hours and 16 minutes - more than four times longer than planned.
Now the spin begins.
The US said that Donald Trump opened the meeting by raising concerns about Russian interference in the US election.
Russia said Vladimir Putin denied any meddling and the US President 'accepts' that."
The two countries say they discussed North Korea, agreed a new ceasefire in southwest Syria, and will work together on cybersecurity.
Angela Stent, who served as the US National Intelligence Officer for Russia under President George W Bush says both leaders will claim victory.
<<SOT: ANGELA STENT, US National Intelligence Officer for Russia, 2004-2006>>
"I think the way its going to play out in Russia is that Putin got what he wanted. He showed that Trump isn't Obama. That Trump is respectful. That Putin came out of this as a recognised world leader, which is what he wanted. So he can portray to his people that he stuck to his ground, he got the US to agree that they have to work together in Syria."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said First Lady Melania Trump was sent into the meeting at one point as discussions overran - but both Trump and Putin continued for another hour.
Both presidents will hope their meeting signals a turning point in US-Russia relations.