Obama: U.S. and Russia to cooperate on Winter Olympics security

Speaking to reporters at the G-8 summit in Northern Ireland, President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that their countries will join forces on security efforts for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The Games surfaced as a point of agreement in what was otherwise described as a chilly encounter between the world leaders, who have differed on their handling of the civil war in Syria.

Intelligence agencies in the U.S. and Russia began a more frequent dialogue in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. Two brothers hailing from Russia’s volatile North Caucasus are alleged to have committed the April 15 terrorist attack that left three dead and more than 260 injured.

“We have spoken in detail about the matters of security, of strategic security between the two countries and the world as such,” Putin said through an interpreter on Monday.

Obama added: “We have a shared interest in countering terrorist violence, and we are continuing to strengthen our cooperation on this issue, including as we welcome Russia hosting the Winter Olympics in Sochi.”

Security costs at the 2012 London Olympics doubled from initial estimates to reach an estimated $864 million. The Summer Games were held without incident.

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