MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani preparations for a likely meeting by parties to the Syrian conflict, the Kremlin said.

According to the Kremlin’s press-service, Putin and Rouhani talked by telephone at Iran’s initiative to discuss in detail the Syrian problems, first and foremost, the situation in Aleppo.

"The importance was emphasized of joint efforts to promote the start of a real political process aimed at an early settlement in Syria," the Kremlin said in a news release. "In this context a long stride forward would be made if a meeting between Syrian government officials and the so-called moderate opposition were arranged in Astana."

The teo presidents have also discussed bilateral relations and further contacts at various levels.

"Topical issues of Russian-Iranian relations were touched upon in the wake of positive results of the December 11-13 meeting of the permanent Russian-Iranian commission on trading and economic cooperation, which took place in Tehran," the report runs. "An agreement was achieved on more contacts at various levels."

Putin has agreed with Iranian president future contacts at various levels.