RAMALLAH, June 24, 2012 (WAFA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Palestinian Territory is a historical and significant visit, said Palestinian ambassador to Russia Fayed Mustafa on Sunday.

Mustafa told WAFA that Putin’s second visit to the Palestinian Territory is significant to the Palestinian-Russian relations, since Russia is a member in the Quartet for Middle East peace and a permanent member in the United Nations Security Council.

Putin is expected to visit Bethlehem on June 26, for the opening of the Russian cultural Museum in Bethlehem, Mustafa added.

He explained that Putin is expected to arrive to Palestine on Tuesday. He will visit the Church of the Nativity then meet president Mahmoud Abbas in the presidential headquarters.

Both Abbas and Putin will discuss economic relations between the two countries in preparation of signing an economic agreement.

Putin’s visit to the Middle East comes within a tour that will include Palestine, Jordan and Israel.

M.H./F.R.