Palestinians hope Putin’s visit means bigger Russian role in peace process

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the Palestinian territories, where he and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to discuss trade ties, peace negotiations and the upcoming Palestinian elections.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 14: (RUSSIA OUT) Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Kremlin, on July 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. The Palestinian leader Abbas is having a one-day trip to Moscow. (Photo by Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Kremlin, Moscow, Russia, July 14, 2018. - Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images
Ahmad Melhem.jpg
Ahmad Melhem
@ahmadme44502893
Read in 

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority is getting ready to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bethlehem Jan. 23. Putin is scheduled to meet with President Mahmoud Abbas and visit the Church of the Nativity and the President Putin Palestinian Organization for Culture and Economy, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal told Al-Monitor.

Putin’s visit to the West Bank is part of a regional tour that will also include a stop in Israel to participate in the Holocaust commemoration events and the 75th anniversary of the Soviet forces’ liberation of detainees from Nazi concentration camps.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more