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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

Let me welcome you to Moscow!

I know that this time you have come to Moscow to take part in the ceremony opening the new Moscow Cathedral Mosque. This is a big event in the lives of all Muslims. And I want to thank you for coming to attend the ceremony and, of course, congratulate you on the upcoming holiday, Eid al-Adha.

We are very happy to meet with you in this connection and discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to our bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

Welcome!

President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President.

I am happy to be in Moscow, not only to participate in the opening ceremony for the large Cathedral Mosque, but also to meet with you at this crucial moment in history. It is highly important and necessary for us to listen to your assessments, since there are currently many events of great importance in the world, not only for our two nations, but for the entire planet and our region.

As you know, Palestine is presently going through a period of elevated tensions; this particularly concerns the tense situation in Jerusalem. I am also referring to Israel’s continuing settlement activity, and the terrorist activities conducted by Jewish settlers, who kill Palestinian youth almost daily.

After today’s meeting, we will head to the UN, so we feel it is essential to consult with you about the steps that could be taken at the UN.

Both our nations are also concerned about the situation in Syria. We feel that a very important moment has set in, when a political decision is near and a door has opened for political resolution.

As for the situation in Israel, a very dangerous situation has arisen at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which the Israelis are raiding daily. But what’s even worse is that Israel strives to divide the Al-Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews. Such a division would mean changing the time and location for prayer: Muslims would pray at one time in one location, while Jews would pray at a different time in a different location.

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