Putin, Pezeshkian discuss developments in Middle East - Kremlin

MOSCOW. April 13 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President

Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the recent development of the situation in the Middle East in a phone talk, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday.

"The president of Iran gave his assessment to the Iranian-U.S. talks held in Islamabad on April, 11, expressed appreciation for Russia's principled position, including on international sites, aimed at de-escalation of the situation. Masoud Pezeshkian also thanked for the humanitarian assistance provided by Russia to the people of Iran," the press service said.

"Vladimir Putin reaffirmed readiness to continue assisting the search for political-diplomatic settlement of the conflict, to make mediation efforts to achieve fair and lasting peace in the Middle East. For these purposes, Russia will continue active contacts with all partners in the region," the Kremlin said.

"Mutual commitment to further comprehensive strengthening of good-neighborly Russian-Iranian relations was reaffirmed when vital issues concerning bilateral cooperation were discussed," the press service said.

Pezeshkian wished Putin and all Orthodox Christians of Russia a happy Easter, the Kremlin press service said.