Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman met on Wednesday (7 December) with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow. At the meeting, FM Liberman expressed satisfaction with the improvement in economic relations and the increase in trade and tourism between the two states.

 

The Israeli minister noted that Israel and Russia hold different positions on issues connected to Israeli-Palestinian relations and events in the Middle East, and expressed the hope that Russia will give serious consideration to Israel's concerns, especially regarding Iran, Hizbullah and Hamas. FM Liberman said that Russian support of Palestinian unilateral moves does not contribute to advancing an agreement or improving the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians. He added that providing the latest weaponry to Syria, particularly in light of the current situation there, could lead to undesirable consequences for all concerned.

 

FM Liberman said that 20 years after renewal of diplomatic relations between Israel and Russia, the general picture is very positive, reflected in political dialogue, economic and cultural ties, and Holocaust commemoration.

 

FM Liberman conveyed to Prime Minister Putin an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel.