Russian, Brazilian presidents discuss situation around Venezuela - Kremlin

MOSCOW. Jan 14 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have spoken over the phone, the Kremlin press service said in a statement, adding that the phone call took place at Brazil's initiative.

"The leaders exchanged views on current international issues with a focus on the situation around Venezuela. It was emphasized that the fundamental approaches of Russia and Brazil to ensuring the state sovereignty and national interests of the Bolivarian Republic coincide. The sides agreed to continue coordinating efforts, including within the UN, as well as within BRICS, in the interest of de-escalation in Latin America and other regions of the world," the statement said.

In addition, ways to advance bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas were discussed in detail ahead of an upcoming meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission in February.