14 Mar 2013 17:17

Putin, Abbas discuss Syria, order stepping up trade

NOVO-OGARYOVO. March 14 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin says he and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas have discussed the situation in the Middle East in general and in Syria in particular and agreed that trade-economic cooperation between Russia and Palestine should be intensified.

"Surely we discussed both the situation in the region and in the Arab world on the whole and thoroughly addressed the tragic events ongoing in Syria," Putin said following negotiations with Abbas.

He said the two had given instructions to relevant agencies to step up trade and economic cooperation.