Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has affirmed that Russia backs the initiative of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, based on an international conference for peace.
Bogdanov described Abbas's stances as wise, adding that they support the stability in the region on the basis of the international legitimacy resolutions.
He renewed Russia’s commitment towards supporting Palestinians and their right to determine their fate and establish the Palestinian independent state according to the line of June 4, 1967, with Eastern Jerusalem as the capital.
Bogdanov statement came during his meeting with Director of the Palestinian Liberation Origination's politburo Ambassador Anwar Abdul-Hadi.
The Russian foreign ministry statement revealed that the prospects of Palestinian-Israeli settlement were discussed, including the settlement within Russian efforts to help restore Palestinian national unity. Also, opinions were exchanged regarding current topics on the Middle East agenda while focusing on the political settlement of the Syrian crisis.
Earlier, Bogdanov met with officials from Hamas, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine within attempts to restore the Palestinian unity.
Abbas pins hope on Russia as a sole competitor for the United States in the region – Abbas seeks a state capable of influencing Israel and opposing the US. He is in a quest to launch an international peace conference that results in an international mechanism that falls under a political process with Palestinians and Israelis.
In a related context, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump will meet at a short working lunch in the Elysee Palace in Paris on Nov. 11.
