Moscow, Jun 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Russian President Vladimir Putin will Monday start his tour of the Middle East, according to presidential aide Yury Ushakov.
During his two-day visit to the region, Putin will discuss bilateral relations as well as international problems, including the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, the situation in Syria and the Iranian nuclear programme, with the leaders of Israel, the Palestinian National Authority and Jordan.
"The head of state's busy trip to the Middle East stresses the region's significance in the system of our foreign policy priorities," Ushakov said.
"It is called upon to contribute to further strengthening of Russia's positions in that part of the world," he told journalists shortly before the visit.