MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation Thursday with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, a Kremlin statement said.

Putin and Maduro discussed "topical issues of Russian-Venezuelan cooperation and the implementation of joint projects in trade, the economy, energy, and other sectors," according to the statement.

"The importance of continuing cooperation to counter the spread of the coronavirus, including the shipment of Russian vaccines to Venezuela, was stressed.”

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination in international affairs "in keeping with the principles of strategic partnership that underlie bilateral relations."

Putin expressed his unwavering support for Venezuelan authorities’ efforts to strengthen the sovereignty of the country and ensure its socio-economic development.

The two leaders also agreed to step up contacts at various levels.