Bilateral Relations: Putin and Abbas discuss Middle East

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Mahmoud Abbas at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence on Friday evening, and the focus of their discussions indicated that Moscow will play a greater role in the Middle East peace process.

The two leaders exchanged opinions of the development of the bilateral relations, the regional situation and the Palestinian-Israeli settlement.

Putin said that Russia welcomes and supports Palestinian and Israeli settlement efforts.

Describing the visit of Abbas to Russia at a tense moment, Putin said "the situation is difficult, but we can see that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and you are working on positive trends...we welcome that and will give you comprehensive support," he added.

Abbas and Putin also discussed the plan for the Middle East peace conference in Moscow, which means Russia will play a greater role in the Middle East peace process.

The two sides agreed that the forum should include debates on the resumption of efforts on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks for the sake of the all-inclusive regional settlement.

Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting
Publisher ofi On Global Trends and Sydney Irresistible