Putin to Meet with Palestinian Leader Abbas Monday

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow on Monday where the issue of Middle East peace talks will be raised, Russian authorities announced Thursday.

"The two leaders will hold talks concerning key aspects of Russian-Palestinian relations and their future, with particular attention on the trade, economy and humanitarian sectors," the Kremlin said in a statement.

There will also be "an exchange of ideas on the process of Israeli-Palestinian talks and other problematic regional situations," the statement continued, adding that North Africa would also be on the agenda.

Abbas is also scheduled to meet with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday to discuss economic and investment issues.

Palestinian ambassador to Moscow Fayed Mustafa said Abbas would sign several intergovernmental accords during his three-day visit  to Russia.