US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first official call between the two leaders since Trump took office.

The Kremlin said both sides had agreed to make fighting "international terrorism" - including the so-called Daesh 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".

In a statement in English, the Kremlin said the contact 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 as well as the situation in Ukraine.

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

Source: MENA