MOSCOW, January 19, 2012 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday evening arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, as his third stop on his current European tour, which included London and Berlin.

Abbas’ visit to Moscow comes as part of the mutual commitment of both sides to hold regular discussions on all issues of mutual concern, as well as to discuss political issues related to the peace process, particularly since Russia plays a major role in the peace process being a member of the international Quartet and a permanent member in the United Nations Security Council.

Abbas will meet President Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other officials, during which they will sign a number of agreements between the two countries.

Abbas will stay in Russia for six days. From Moscow, he will travel to the republic of Chuvashia on the Volga River.

Senior officials in the Palestinian Authority are escorting Abbas on this tour.

T.R./F.R.