1st LD Writethru: Putin, Trump discuss cooperation by phone

MOSCOW, March 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election and they discussed bilateral cooperation in a phone call on Tuesday, the Kremlin said.

Putin and Trump agreed on further contacts and "paid particular attention to the question of holding a possible summit," the Kremlin said in a press release.

The Kremlin said their conversation was constructive, businesslike and focused on overcoming the accumulated problems in Russia-U.S. relations.

"The leaders spoke in favor of developing practical cooperation in various areas, including ensuring strategic stability and combating international terrorism. In particular, the importance of coordinated efforts to limit arms race was stressed," it said.

The two presidents showed interest in strengthening economic cooperation, including in the energy sphere.

The two sides discussed the Syria issue and the Ukrainian crisis, noting the need to achieve early progress in their settlement, according to the Kremlin.

"Satisfaction was expressed with a certain degree of a decrease in tensions around the Korean Peninsula. The feasibility of continuing consistent efforts to resolve the situation by peaceful, diplomatic means is emphasized," it said.

Putin was re-elected Russian president for the fourth time in a landslide victory on Sunday, garnering more than 76 percent of the vote. Enditem