Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Russian President Vladimir Putin this evening, concluded their private, three-hour meeting in Moscow. The meeting was held in an open, serious and good atmosphere and took place exactly one year after their previous meeting.

The two men discussed a series of regional and bilateral issues including ways in which Russia can serve as a stabilizing factor in the region, while giving due weight to Israel’s security interests.  Russian President Putin made it clear that his country views Israel’s security interests as a significant component in its regional policies.

The two leaders discussed the Iranian nuclear issue following the Russian leader’s visit to Iran.  Prime Minister Olmert briefed him in detail regarding Israel’s stance on the issue and on the importance of the steps being taken which can lead to a halt to the enrichment of uranium in Iran and to its attempt to equip itself with nuclear weapons.

Prime Minister Olmert and Russian President Putin exchanged assessments on the progress of the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians.  The Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s commitment to the success of the international meeting in the autumn, in which Russia will play a part in the framework of its role in the Quartet.  Russian President Putin commended the Prime Minister on his personal efforts to reach peace with the Palestinians, expressed Russia’s full support for the process and promised to act towards the success of the international meeting.

The two men also discussed the dangers of global terrorism and the need to confront it, and agreed to remain in close contact in order to advance the two countries’ mutual interests.