U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation discussing the situation in Syria and consequences of the recent floods in Russia’s south, the White House said in a statement.

“The two Presidents noted the growing violence in Syria and agreed on the need to support a political transition as soon as possible that achieves our shared goal of ending the violence and avoiding a further deterioration of the situation,” the statement said. “They noted the differences our governments have had on Syria, but agreed to have their teams continue to work toward a solution.”

The U.S. president has also once again offered Putin assistance in dealing with the tragic consequences of the floods that hit Russia’s southern Krasnodar Region earlier in the month.

“President Obama also took the opportunity to express condolences on the tragic loss of life resulting from flooding in southern Russia earlier this month and reiterated the U.S. readiness to provide assistance if needed,” the statement concluded.

The floods, which swept through three cities in southern Russia, including Krymsk, on July 6-7, killed 171 people and submerged 7,000 homes, causing massive damage to the gas, electricity and water supplies and road and rail links.