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President Abbas congratulates Putin on Russia’s success on international arena

Palestinian Authority President hopes that Russia would play a central role in the Middle East settlement

© AP Photo/Amr Nabil

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Putin to have talks with Palestinian President

NOVO OGARYOVO, January 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has congratulated Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Moscow’s success on the international arena.

Abbas said he hoped that Russia would play a central role in the Middle East settlement.

“We’re happy to watch Russia’s political success these days. We’re pleased with the big political authority that Russia has,” Abbas said at a meeting with Putin on Thursday.

Among Russia’s success, the Palestinian leader named the Geneva I and Geneva II international conferences, the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria and the agreements on Iran’s nuclear program. “We’re glad that Russia is an active and influential player on the international arena,” he added.

“Russia is a great power and a member of the Quartet for Mideast Peace. You are a friendly state for us and you have national interests in the region,” Abbas said, adding “Russia’s role is needed to maintain relations with Arab states that are facing the crisis now.”

Putin said he was glad that there was an opportunity to discuss key international issues. “But we should analyse bilateral economic relations. They are based on a solid foundation. We maintain permanent political relations on the Palestinian settlement, on the situation in the entire region, as well as on the world arena,” the Russian president said.

“Much should be done to develop trade and economic relations. We should determine ways to further develop economic cooperation,” Putin said.

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