Russia takes renewed interest in Palestine
Russia seems to be increasing its cooperation with the Palestinians recently in several areas, including the economy, politics and tourism.
![PALESTINIANS-RUSSIA/ Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (L) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after a joint news conference in the West Bank city of Jericho November 11, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman - S1AEUMFKOAAB](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/09/RTX2T6ZY.jpg/RTX2T6ZY.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=zFhhOhph)
Russia appears poised to play a major role in supporting a sovereign state of Palestine and has noticeably increased economic cooperation, investment and higher-education scholarships. This was one of the conclusions a joint Russian-Palestinian committee and some 30 business executives reached during a high-level visit to Ramallah during the second week of September.
Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow Abdel Hafiz Nofal said Moscow wants to play a much more active role in the Palestinian issue. Speaking at a press conference Sept. 14 at the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate in Ramallah, Nofal said the bilateral relationship is strong.