(VOVworld) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama agreed during a phone call on Monday to effect a Syria ceasefire brokered by their two nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured in Moscow on April 18, 2016, agreed during a phonecall with his US counterpart Barack Obama to strengthen a Syria ceasefire (Photo: AFP)

The Kremlin said in a statement that the two leaders discussed in detail the situation in Syria, confirming in particular their intention to facilitate the strengthening of a Russia-US initiated ceasefire in Syria as well as access for humanitarian aid. Mr. Putin also stressed the need for "moderate" rebels to distance themselves from Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front jihadists and also urged the closure of the border between Syria and Turkey where "supplies of arms for extremists" are filtering across.