Moscow, May 8 (IANS): Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping of China on Friday discussed the situation in Ukraine, as well as a number of other acute international problems, TASS news agency reported.

"We could not overlook the situation in Ukraine," Putin said. "Our foreign ministries are in permanent contact."

The Russian president also said that the sides also touched upon such topical issues as the situation in Syria, on the Korean Peninsula, and problems of security in the Asia-Pacific region.

"I would also like to thank our Chinese friends for the support of Russia’s presidency in the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and BRICS group (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and assistance in the organisation of the summits that will be held in Ufa (capital of the Bashkortostan Republic in Volga region) in July," Putin said.

On his part, Xi Jinping said that BRICS, SCO and other multilateral organisations may be of much benefit.

"The Chinese side supports in every possible way Russia’s presidency in these two mechanisms this year," he said.

"We are ready to pool efforts with the Russian side to ensure both mechanisms’ greater contribution in safeguarding of peace, development, prosperity in the region and the world in general."