MOSCOW, June 20. /ITAR-TASS/. Extremist activities in Syria have gained a trans-border character and threaten security of the entire region, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telephone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Friday, the Kremlin press service reported.

“Maliki informed the Russian president about the development of the military political situation in Iraq and the government’s efforts to fight against terrorist groups that have stepped up their activities in the north of the country,” the press service said.

The Russian leader reiterated Russia’s all-round support to efforts of the Iraqi government to clear the republic of terrorists.

The sides also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation of mutual interest.