Olmert arrived in Moscow on a two-day visit Monday despite his resignation on September 21 amid corruption allegations. He has been replaced as the leader of Israel's ruling party by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the trip is likely his last as Israeli premier.
"Our relations are developing very well and steadily and this is one of the key factors of the Middle East settlement," Medvedev said. "Russia will continue playing a constructive and active role in this process."
The Russian leader thanked Olmert for the Israeli government's resolution to return to Russia ownership of Jerusalem's Sergei Courtyard. The decision, made Sunday, ends a long struggle for the return of the two-story building, which was built in 1890 to house Russian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land.
Speaking at his first face-to-face talks with Medvedev since the Russian leader was elected, Olmert said: "Russia is a global power ... and its say on regional and global issues is extremely important."
The interim prime minister also stressed the importance of bilateral relations between Russia and Israel.
