Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Saturday, discussing the latest developments and ways to boost bilateral ties, the Xinhua news agency reported. During the phone call, Putin extended Eid al-Adha greetings and wishes to Abbas and the Palestinian people, the report said. Being briefed on the latest developments of the Palestinian Arab-Israeli conflict, Putin affirmed Russia's “unwavering support for the Palestinian people in achieving their aspirations for freedom and independence by establishing an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” Abbas, for his part, expressed his keenness to restore stability to Russia and wished the country further progress and prosperity. Putin has in the past expressed a desire to host an Israeli-Palestinian Arab summit to revive the stalled peace talks between the sides, but nothing has materialized yet in this regard. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated in 2021 that Russia is ready to promote direct contacts between Israel and the PA. Related articles: 'This is the real reason Putin announced a ceasefire for Easter' Putin signs law to strengthen cooperation with Iran Putin announces ceasefire for Easter Russia seeks to strengthen ties with Iran In October of 2022, Abbas met with Putin and restated his mistrust of Washington in resolving the conflict with Israel while expressing appreciation for Russia's role in the process. US efforts under the Obama administration to broker a peace agreement failed in 2014 when the PA unilaterally applied to join international organizations in breach of the conditions of the talks.