OREANDA-NEWS. May 14, 2010. A telephone conversation took place on May 13 between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Avigdor Lieberman.

Lavrov informed his Israeli counterpart of the main outcomes of the official visit to Syria by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on May 10-11. He also told him about the content of Medvedev’s meeting in Damascus with Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal. 

The consistent policy of Russia to support progress towards a comprehensive and just political settlement in the Middle East on a generally recognized international legal basis, which would guarantee peace, stability and security for Israel and all countries and peoples of the region, was stressed, indicating that this was the focus of the talks and conversations in Damascus.

Lavrov also spoke about our work with the leadership of Hamas for the early release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from captivity. The Israeli side reiterated its well-known approaches towards this movement.

The ministers touched upon some issues in Russian-Israeli relations. Avigdor Lieberman noted the importance of continued dialogue and contacts between the two countries at the summit and other levels. Sergey Lavrov supported this attitude.