MOSCOW, October 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will do all in its power to help bring about a resolution to the Middle East conflict, President Vladimir Putin told the Israeli premier Wednesday.
Ehud Olmert, who arrived in Moscow Tuesday on an official visit, said Russia is playing an important role in the world, and that its influence will help restore global stability and resolve the Iranian nuclear problem.
Putin praised "the new quality" of cooperation between Russia and Israel, whose diplomatic relations were restored 15 years ago, and highlighted the growth of bilateral trade, which is expected to reach $2 billion.
"We maintain contacts on political issues and expanding relations in such a sensitive field as military and technical cooperation, including in third-country markets," Putin said.
