ALMATY, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday called on all sides involved in the Ukraine crisis to demonstrate patience, flexibility and professionalism, and continue pursuing a peace formula.

Tokayev made the remarks while holding a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the day, during which they exchanged views on the bilateral agenda and the Ukraine crisis, according to the official website of the Kazakh president.

He noted the complexity of resolving the crisis, emphasizing that the territorial issue remains central and requires compromises from all sides, taking into account the real situation on the ground.

Tokayev said that although Kazakhstan does not seek to act as a mediator in the Ukraine crisis, it is ready to offer a venue for negotiations if necessary. ■