A telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took place at the initiative of the Brazilian side, the Kremlin press service reported.

"Issues of further strengthening bilateral relations in various areas were discussed, including in light of the results of the meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission held in Brasilia earlier this year and other contacts. Particular attention will be paid to expanding and diversifying mutual trade," the statement said.

It was noted that "an exchange of views was held on current international issues, including the situation around Ukraine." "Putin expressed gratitude to his Brazilian counterpart for his efforts to assist in finding a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian conflict," the press service said.

"The leaders confirmed that on many fundamental issues of the global agenda, Russia and Brazil adhere to coinciding or similar approaches," the statement said.

It was agreed to continue coordination in the UN and within other multilateral formats of interaction, the Russian president's press service added.