Image Credits: Reuters
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed his country’s support for Russia during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Novo-Ogaryovo on August 13. Abbas, who arrived in Moscow on August 12 at Putin’s invitation, emphasized the enduring friendship between the Russian and Palestinian peoples, stating that Palestine trusts Russia’s leadership and values its longstanding support.
In the meeting, Abbas highlighted the deep ties between Russia and Palestine, which have been nurtured over decades. He noted that both the Russian government and its people have consistently stood by the Palestinians, providing critical support throughout challenging times. Abbas conveyed his trust in Russia’s leadership, expressing confidence that this mutual support would continue.
The Palestinian leader’s visit to Moscow comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow, Abdel Hafiz Nofal, had previously stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss the escalating situation in the region. Nofal emphasized the importance of consulting with Russia, which he described as a close and supportive ally of Palestine.
During their discussions, Abbas expressed his gratitude for Russia’s steadfast backing of Palestinian interests on the international stage. He also underscored the significance of continued cooperation between the two nations as Palestine navigates a particularly challenging period in its history.
In addition to reaffirming Palestine’s support for Russia, Abbas and Putin reportedly discussed potential strategies for addressing the ongoing violence in Gaza and the broader Middle East. While specific details of their discussions have not been publicly disclosed, the meeting underscores the importance of international dialogue in seeking resolutions to the region’s complex and longstanding conflicts.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with mounting civilian casualties and widespread destruction, the international community remains focused on finding pathways to peace. Abbas’s visit to Moscow is seen as a crucial step in bolstering Palestine’s diplomatic efforts and reinforcing its alliances amid the ongoing crisis.