"President Bush called President Putin of Russia today to discuss the upcoming Annapolis conference," US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement. The meeting is expected to be held next week.
"President Bush thanked President Putin for his support and encouragement of the process that is underway between the Israelis, Palestinians and the international community," said Johndroe.
"The two leaders had a brief discussion on missile defense and expressed their desire to continue working together on this issue," the spokesman said.
The Kremlin said in a statement that the two leaders had discussed "practical aspects of preparation" for the Annapolis conference and also took up "current questions on the strategic agenda."
The discussion came amid tensions between Russia and the United States, notably over military deployments in Europe and US plans to deploy a controversial missile defense system.
Both countries are members of the so-called diplomatic "Quartet" for Middle East peace along with the European Union and the United Nations.