The Palestinian leadership has great respect for Vladimir Putin, considering him a great friend and influential international leader, the President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas said in an interview with TASS ahead of a visit to Moscow and a meeting scheduled for November 23 with the Russian President.
"We have great respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin and consider him a great friend and influential international leader," he said. - "We are ready to consult and exchange views with him on many issues, including ways to advance efforts to bring peace and stability to our region. Therefore, we would like to familiarize him with the latest political developments, including the current Israeli aggressive actions against the Palestinian people in light of the continued occupation of the land of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital."
Abbas said that at the talks he also "would like to discuss Russia's important role in peacekeeping efforts and the intensified role of the "quartet" of international mediators [Russia, US, UN and EU]." "At the same time, we have to stress that we will not go to the negotiations if Russia is not the main partner along with the rest of the quartet," he said. - "In addition, we would be happy to see any other ideas and steps by Moscow to advance a peace settlement in accordance with international legitimacy".
"We also support Russian efforts in the inter-Palestinian dialogue to achieve reconciliation and end the division," the Palestinian leader said. - "In addition, we will touch upon strengthening bilateral relations in economic, cultural and other areas and exchange views on regional and international issues."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS