"The sides have thoroughly looked into preparations for holding a ministerial meeting of the Quartet of international intermediaries in Moscow on May 9. The sides have noted its importance for the promotion of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement", reads the communique of the Press and Information Board of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
In focus at their meeting was the provision of international assistance to the socio-economic development of the Palestinian lands, "the securing of stability and resolution of humanitarian problems there with account for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza strip and part of the western bank of the Jordan river".
The Press and Information Board of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Saltanov has informed Vershbow of the results of the April 26-29 visits by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Egypt, Israel and to the Palestine territory.
"A consistent nature was noted of Russia's efforts in the sealing of positive shifts in the region in the interests of a full-fledged resumption of the peace process on the basis of the Roadmap, prevention of the emergence of new seats of tension in the Middle East", the communique continues.
At the meeting the same day with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Chizhov, the American ambassador discussed preparations for the visit of the United States President George Bush to Moscow.
"Some practical issues of the preparation and holding of the upcoming visit to Moscow on May 8-9 by the United States President George Bush for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War" were discussed, the Foreign Ministry noted.
