Vladimir Putin

He expressed hope that by building a relationship in the spirit of equality and consideration for each other's interests, "Russia and the United States could contribute much to enhancing stability and security at the regional and global levels."

"The two discussed the situation in Syria, developments in the region and the actions necessary to increase regional stability," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office as saying following the call on Monday.

Putin visited the headquarters of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in Moscow, laid flowers at the monument erected to mark the 100th anniversary of the SVR, and congratulated the staff and veterans of all special services on the country's Security Agency Worker's Day, the Xinhua news agency reported.