The President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, who was supposed to come to Russia on November 15, was forced to postpone his visit, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said on Friday, France-Presse and Agerpres reported.

Mahmoud Abbas and Vladimir PutinPhoto: Thaer GHANAIM / AFP / Profimedia

“At the request of the Palestinian Authority, the visit has been postponed,” said Mykhailo Bogdanov, who was quoted by Russian press agencies, also saying that the visit was originally supposed to take place on November 15.

The Russian authorities have mentioned the upcoming visit of Mahmoud Abbas several times in recent weeks, but have not yet announced its exact date.

Palestinian officials “explained that the current situation is difficult, that President Abbas cannot leave the region” in this context, Mykhailo Bogdanov added.

According to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, contacts will be “maintained at an operational level, especially by phone.”

Russia has traditionally maintained good relations with both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as with several regional actors such as Syria, Egypt and Iran, AFP noted.

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