Putin, Abbas Discuss Activating Role of International Quartet
SMA NEWS – MOSCOW
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed with his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, on Tuesday bilateral cooperation and means to push the Middle East peace process forward.
During a telephone conversation, the two leaders talked about cooperation in trade, economy and culture.
On the peace process, Putin reiterated that Russia supported a just and a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including by resorting to the international quartet.
Putin’s comments came amid recent Russian calls to activate the work of the quartet, comprised of the European Union, Russia, United Nations and United States, as a means to launch negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated this week his country’s position that the normalization of ties between Israel and Arab countries should not be at the expense of the Palestinian cause.
The FM called for joint efforts to resume direct talks between the Palestinians and Israelis, saying the final goal is full normalization and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Talks between Putin and Abbas focused Tuesday on cooperation in countering the spread of the coronavirus, including possible shipments of the Russian-made vaccine to Palestine.
Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal said this week that Palestine is negotiating with Russia possible production of the Sputnik V vaccine at its medical establishments.
“We know about the Russian vaccine and are following its trials. We are waiting for the launch of the vaccination campaign in Russia. Now we are in talks with Moscow on purchases of the vaccine. We are also negotiating possible production of the Russian vaccine at our medical establishments after we receive it,” he said.
