Putin extends condolences to Israeli govt, people in connection with Peres' death
MOSCOW. Sept 28 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram extending condolences to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the people of Israel in connection with death of authoritative politician and co-founder of the State of Israel Shimon Peres, the Kremlin press service said on Wednesday.
Through many years of his tenure as Israeli president, prime minister and other high-ranking governmental positions, Peres "won the sincere respect of his fellow citizens and other countries," the report said.
Putin lauded Peres' personal contribution to the Middle East peace process, which was appreciated by the international community and won a Nobel Peace Prize.
"I was lucky to repeatedly meet with this remarkable person. Every time I admired his courage, patriotism, wisdom, far-sightedness and ability to go deep into the most complex issues. Our country will remember him as a staunch supporter of the development of friendly Russian-Israeli relations, who did a lot to strengthen mutually advantageous bilateral cooperation," the Russian president said.
Putin expressed his sympathy and support to the family and friends of Peres, the government and the entire people of Israel, the report said.
Peres, 93, died on September 28. The former Israeli president will be buried on September 30.