Russia, Egypt call for resumption of direct Palestine-Israel dialogue

Russia and Egypt have called for promptly resuming direct Palestine-Israel dialogue on all issues, including the status of Jerusalem.

"Our countries call for promptly resuming direct Palestine-Israel dialogue on all issues, including the status of Jerusalem," Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

"There is a need to achieve long-term and fair agreements, which would be in the interest of both parties. And clearly, these agreements should be in line with the decisions previously made by the global community," Tass news agency quoted Putin as saying.

He added that Russia fully supported all the previous decisions of the United Nations Security Council on that matter.

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said that Jerusalem's status could be determined only based on international law and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Egyptian president, said Palestinian issue, particularly in light of the recent decision made by US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, was in main focus during his talks with Putin.

"We have discussed the possible consequences of this dangerous decision for efforts to establish peace in the Middle East," he said.

Stressing that Moscow valued Egypt's constructive approach towards the Middle East issues, Putin said that Russia welcomed the agreement signed by Fatah and Hamas in Cairo, aimed at strengthening Palestinian unity.