MOSCOW, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday held a telephone conversation to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

According to a statement released on the Kremlin's website Saturday evening, the two sides discussed progress on implementing a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the current status of Iran's nuclear program, and further efforts to promote stability in Syria.

The previous telephone conversation between the Russian and Israeli leaders took place on Oct. 6, during which they discussed the situation in the Middle East as the United States proposed a "20-point plan." Putin reiterated Russia's consistent position in support of resolving the Palestinian issue in accordance with international law.

During a meeting in Moscow with Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa on Oct. 15, Putin said that Russia has always maintained friendly relations with Syria. Enditem