Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that he has agreed multiple times to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following invitations from Russia, expressing his trust in President Vladimir Putin and friends in Moscow.
In statements to Russia’s Sputnik news agency on Tuesday, Abbas highlighted that the Palestinian side has never refused to meet with Israel, but it was Israel that strayed away from the path of peace.
“We have agreed multiple times to meet Netanyahu in Moscow based on invitations from President Vladimir Putin, because we trust our friends in Moscow, and we also trust President Putin. We regularly exchange views and consult on all fundamental issues to advance the peace process, as well as strengthen bilateral and regional relations, which we will continue to do during our upcoming visit to Russia,” Abbas said.
He emphasized that a political solution based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative is the way to achieve peace and security for all.
“We have never refused to meet the Israeli side in the past, but it is the Israeli side, especially the current Israeli government, that has enacted laws against the establishment of a Palestinian state and undermined the two-state solution,” Abbas added.
Regarding his anticipated visit to Russia, Abbas mentioned that he will engage in consultations and exchange views on the latest developments in Palestine and internationally.
He added that the visit will involve “coordinating positions and enhancing bilateral relations in all fields, especially considering Russia’s significant role in global politics, the UN Security Council, and the Middle East.
