13 Mar 2013 18:56

Putin, Abbas to discuss resumption of Palestinian-Israeli talks

MOSCOW. March 13 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation and topical international issues.

"The international agenda will center on current affairs in the Middle East, primarily, prospects for the resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. The sides will also exchange opinions of the situation in the region as a whole," the Kremlin reported.

Abbas is paying an official visit at the invitation of the Russian president from March 13 through 16. This is the first Russian visit of the Palestinian leader since Palestine was granted the UN observer state status on November 29, 2012.