The head of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas awarded a prestigious Order of Jeruselum to Russian former deputy foreign minister Alexander Saltanov, the Palestinian WAFA news agency said.
Saltanov, who was also Russia's envoy to the Middle East, was awarded the order "in recognition of his important role in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and for his peace efforts."
The order is the Palestinian National Authority's highest award. It was awarded to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev when he visited the Palestinian Territories in January.
Saltanov was Russia's Middle East and Africa envoy for 10 years before he retired in December at the age of 65.
GAZA, May 13 (RIA Novosti)
