Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is ready to play a role in resolving the dam dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia.

The leaders of Ethiopia and Egypt met on the sidelines of Russia's Africa summit on Thursday to discuss a disputed Nile dam that has seen tensions flare, Russia Today reported.

"The dam... was discussed during (Russian President Vladimir Putin's) meeting with the President of African Union  [Abdel Fattah El Sisi] and during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Putin told the two leaders they should take advantage of their presence in Sochi to "directly discuss (their) concerns" and that he also offered "his assistance", Peskov said.