Washington 29 Jan (ANA) - US president Donald Trump has held a series of phone calls with world leaders - including one with Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said both sides had agreed to make fighting "international terrorism" - including so-called Islamic State and "other terrorist groups" in Syria - a top priority. The White House said the call was a "significant start" to improving a relationship "in need of repair". Mr Trump also spoke with leaders from Japan, Germany, France and Australia. In a statement in English, the Kremlin provided more details of the first official call between the two leaders since Mr Trump took office.

It said it was a "positive and constructive" conversation, during which they discussed:

The fight against terrorism

The Middle East, and the Arab-Israeli conflict

Strategic stability, non-proliferation, and Iran's nuclear programme

North and South Korea

The situation in Ukraine

"The two leaders emphasised that joining efforts in fighting the main threat - international terrorism - is a top priority," Russia said.

"The presidents spoke out for establishing real coordination of actions between Russia and the US aimed at defeating Islamic State and other terrorists groups in Syria."

The Russian account of the call was also notable for its lack of any mention of economic sanctions against Russia by the US, which have been the subject of much speculation in recent days.

But the statement did say both parties "stressed the importance of rebuilding mutually beneficial trade", which, the Kremlin said, could aid the development of relations in other areas.(ANA)

FA/ANA/29 January 2017----