The recognition of Palestine by Western countries is a correct but overdue step, according to Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian President's Special Representative for the Middle East and African Countries and Deputy Foreign Minister.
"It seems to me that these are the right steps in the right direction. However, they are very late compared to our principled position. As you know, the Soviet Union recognized the Palestinian state back in the day,” Bogdanov said in response to a related question.
He noted that Western colleagues have taken a long time to recognize Palestine, contributing to a "regional imbalance." This imbalance arose because, after the 1947 decision to create both Arab and Jewish states, "Israel was created, but the Palestinian state was not."
Bogdanov also highlighted that the USSR's recognition of Palestine involved concrete actions. "When we recognized Palestine, it wasn't just a declaration; it included specific political and diplomatic steps. They have an embassy in Moscow, and we have a representative office in Ramallah,” he explained. He also mentioned historical considerations, such as appointing a Russian ambassador in some Arab country, illustrating the depth of their diplomatic efforts.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on TASS materials