RAMALLAH, Monday, July 22, 2024 – President Mahmoud Abbas today received Russian Special Envoy for the Middle East Vladimir Safronkov at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, in the presence of the Russian Ambassador to Palestine, Goche Buachidze.

Safronkov conveyed the greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Abbas, reaffirming the Russian Federation’s firm positions on the Palestinian issue and its support for the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and independence.

President Abbas asked Safronkov to convey his greetings and appreciation to President Putin, expressing gratitude for Russia’s consistent support of the Palestinian people and highlighting the historical relations between the two friendly nations.

During the meeting, the President briefed the Russian envoy on the latest developments in the Palestinian arena and the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

President Abbas stressed the urgent need to immediately stop the Israeli aggression, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the entire Gaza Strip, secure a full Israeli withdrawal from the Strip, and halt Israeli attacks in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

He also emphasized the need to release Palestinian clearing funds and move forward with a political solution based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions. The President underscored the importance of Russia’s support for Palestine’s efforts to obtain full membership in the United Nations.