OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the possibility of organizing a working meeting of the leaders of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in a video conference format. This was announced on Friday by the Kremlin press service.

"The possibility of organizing a working meeting of the leaders of the countries - permanent members of the UN Security Council in the format of a video conference was discussed", the statement said. Putin and Macron also discussed measures aimed at minimizing the negative socio-economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Kremlin’s press service, the telephone conversation was initiated by the French side.

"During the exchange of views on the situation in connection with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the heads of state informed each other about measures being taken in Russia and France aimed at minimizing negative socio-economic consequences", the press service said.

The Kremlin added that Macron thanked Putin "for assisting in the return of French citizens to their homeland and ensuring the conditions for transporting medical supplies and equipment through Russia to France".