Russia, France reaffirm necessity of joint efforts against terrorism

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius on Thursday reaffirmed in a telephone conversation the need for cooperation against terrorism following Wednesday's terrorist attack in Paris, which killed 12 people.

"Lavrov expressed his condolences over the recent terrorist attack in central Paris that led to several deaths. The ministers agreed that the incident once again highlighted the necessity to further cooperate in the fight against terrorists," an online statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The conversation also focused on issues concerning the settlement of the Ukraine crisis, especially necessary measures to be discussed in the Normandy dialogue that comprises Russian, Ukrainian, German and French leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on early Thursday morning condemned the terrorist attack in Paris during a phone conversation with his French counterpart Francois Hollande.

According to the Kremlin press service, Putin confirmed Moscow' s readiness to continue cooperation with France in the battle against terrorism.

Twelve people, including two policemen, were killed on Wednesday and 11 others were wounded after two masked and armed men opened fire on the staff of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo during an editorial meeting.

French authorities are currently in pursuit of two suspects, brothers Said, 34, and Cherif Kouachi, 32, both French citizens. Endite