MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye discussed counterterrorism efforts in the Sahara-Sahel and West Africa during a Friday call, the Kremlin said.

The leaders emphasized strengthening Russian-Senegalese ties in trade, investment, and joint projects, particularly in energy, transportation and agriculture, the presidential office said in a statement.

"The situation in the Sahara-Sahel and West Africa region was reviewed, focusing on the instability caused by terrorist groups," the readout said.

Putin also invited Faye to visit Russia.

The call coincided with news that Faye’s ruling party won a large majority in parliament in this week’s elections, according to provisional results announced Thursday.