Russian President Vladimir Putin supports a just solution to the Palestinian problem and hopes that Israel's agreement with the UAE will help strengthen security in the Middle East region, the Kremlin's press service reports on Monday following a telephone conversation between the Russian leader and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was initiated by the Israeli side.
The press service noted that the interlocutors exchanged views on the issues of the Middle East settlement in the context of the recent agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates on the full normalization of bilateral relations.
"Vladimir Putin emphasised the principled position of the Russian side to support a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian problem and expressed hope that the agreement between Israel and the UAE will strengthen regional security and stability," the message reads.
The leaders also discussed the situation in Syria. "The parties noted their shared interest in continuing coordinated efforts regarding Syria in order to counter international terrorism," the Kremlin reports.
Putin and Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding collaboration to fight the spread of the coronavirus, including clinical trials and vaccine manufacturing.
"The interest for further development of cooperation in the fight against the spread of coronavirus infection, including clinical research and the production of vaccines, has been confirmed," the press service said in a statement.
The leaders of Russia and Israel also discussed some topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including in the trade and economic sphere.
"Putin and Netanyahu agreed to step up contacts between the two countries at various levels."
US President Donald Trump announced on August 13 that Israel and the UAE reached an agreement on the full normalization of bilateral relations. According to the agreements, Israel will suspend the extension of its sovereignty to Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which is stipulated by the American plan for the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Israeli and UAE delegations may soon sign bilateral agreements, including on investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, health, culture, the environment, and the mutual establishment of embassies. The Palestinian leadership reacted very harshly to Abu Dhabi's move, calling it a betrayal and destruction of the Arab peace initiative.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS