Trump, Macron discuss increasing co-operation in Syria and Iraq

The two leaders on Friday also spoke about 'countering Iranian malign influence'

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump attend the traditional Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, France, July 14, 2017. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
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US president Donald Trump discussed increasing co-operation in the ongoing crises in Syria and Iraq in a telephone call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

The two leaders on Friday also spoke about "countering Iranian malign influence", according to a readout of the call provided by the White House.

On the issue of Venezuela, Mr Trump and Mr Macron agreed that the regime of president Nicolas Maduro must "restore the rights of the Venezuelan people", the statement added.

Venezuela's controversial new constituent assembly, packed with allies of the unpopular Mr Maduro, held its inaugural session on Friday amid widespread international criticism of its legitimacy.

Mr Trump and Mr Macron also discussed matters of mutual interest on North Korea, and "reaffirmed the importance of all sides implementing the Minsk agreements to reach a peaceful settlement in Ukraine", the statement said.